Celtic Aire scores big during concert at SunTrust Park Published May 31, 2017 By Master Sgt. James Branch 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs ATLANTA -- Folk music, baseball and sunshine are just some of the things spectators experienced May 20, 2017 as the U.S. Air Force Band’s Celtic Aire performed a pre-game concert at SunTrust Park in Atlanta, Georgia. As part of the Atlanta Braves’ Military Appreciation Day celebration, the band took the crowd on a folk and pop musical journey, opening with Paul Simon's "Cecelia" and encoring with a medley of the armed forces’ service songs.“SunTrust Park is awesome,” said Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Hoffmann, percussionist and non-commissioned officer-in-charge. “It's such a great place to watch baseball, hear a concert, eat dinner, and spend quality time with friends and family. They've done an amazing job there creating an experience for visitors to the park. The crowd was tremendous, and really showed their deep appreciation for all those who have and are currently serving in the military.”Formed in 2007, Celtic Aire is comprised of Hoffmann, Master Sgt. Eric Sullivan Jr., Master Sgt. Joseph Haughton, Master Sgt. Emily Wellington and Tech. Sgt. Julia Cuevas from the U.S. Air Force Band’s Singing Sergeants. In addition to concerts in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area, this ensemble performs at events for high-level military and civilian leaders, with each of its members performing vocals and playing various instruments.“We primarily perform traditional Irish and Celtic music, but lately we've been performing some 70's classic rock, based from a special performance we did last summer,” said Cuevas, the group’s founder. “Baseball fans witnessed a mix of the two styles at today’s performance.”Cuevas said it wasn't hard to form the group because she already knew each member’s skills. It took the five of them playing together a lot and practicing to create a great sound.Following their concert, Sullivan, Haughton, Wellington and Cuevas participated in a military appreciation ceremony, performing an accapella rendition of the National Anthem, accompanied by an F-16 flyover of the nearly full 41,149 seat stadium.“I always enjoy performing the National Anthem at sporting events,” said Cuevas. “It’s such a great vibe and enthusiastic crowd, and I get to help set the tone for the event. This was my first pre-game show experience, and it was fun to help set the fun mood for the game.”Baseball fans witnessed service members from all branches of the military being honored for their patriotism prior to the Braves’ 5-2 win over the Washington Nationals.We would love to perform at the park again,” said Hoffmann. The combination of the physical space, the exceptionally professional staff of the Braves organization, and the energetic fans combine to make it an ideal place to perform our mission of inspiring patriotism, honoring veterans, and creating good will on behalf of the U.S. Air Force.”For more information on Celtic Aire, visit http://www.usafband.af.mil/sponsorinfo/celticaire.You can book Celtic Aire to perform at an event, or in your community by contacting the U.S. Air Force Band's Office of Outreach at 202-767-4310 or email usafband.marketing@us.af.mil.
