The 122nd Army Band's annual tour, this year themed 'Rewind to the 80s', has concluded triumphantly, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable performances and cherished memories. Spanning multiple cities, the tour brought the vibrant energy and nostalgia of the 1980s to enthusiastic audiences, culminating in a celebration of music, community, and camaraderie.
From the spirited concert at Cincinnati's Memorial Hall to the lively performances at various other venues, each stop on our tour offered something unique. The journey took us through:
- Cuyahoga Falls Riverfront Amphitheater
- Dover High School
- Woodworth Park in Beaver Township
- Boardman High School Performing Arts Center
- Hometown Bank Plaza in Kent
- Treasure Island Park in Troy
- North Park Amphitheatre in Springboro
- Red, White & BOOM! Columbus Parade
- Dublin Independence Day Parade
- Memorial Hall in Cincinnati
- Keehner Park in West Chester
- Toledo Zoo Amphitheater
In Cincinnati, the concert at Memorial Hall was a high-energy affair. Audiences relived the magic of the 1980s through classic hits and vibrant performances. "Just outstanding. High energy. Great musical abilities and versatile musicians. Very nicely written charts being played. If the army had had an outfit like this when I served, I would have gleefully been playing reeds rather than just changing typewriter ribbons!! Keep it up. Great esprit de corps," shared Robert Hinklin in Cincinnati.
The response from the audience was overwhelming. At every venue, we were met with enthusiastic cheers and heartfelt applause. "Awesome show and a great tribute to veterans. Unexpected and quite impressive!" said Tim Gillespie after the Toledo show.
The tour was also an opportunity to highlight the incredible talent within our band. Staff Sergeant Cherokee Miletti-Myers, known for her captivating performances, shared, "Touring with the band this year has been an incredible journey. The energy from the audience and the camaraderie within the band have made every performance memorable. Sharing the stage with such talented musicians and connecting with so many people through our music has been truly rewarding."
The tour also marked a significant milestone for First Sergeant Marc Huber, who led the band for the first time in his new role. Reflecting on the experience, he shared: "This tour was my first as First Sergeant, and it was an unforgettable experience. Leading such a talented group of musicians and seeing their dedication and passion on stage was inspiring. The positive response from the audiences and the support we received from the communities we visited made all the hard work worthwhile. I'm incredibly proud of what we accomplished together on this tour."
This year’s tour was particularly special as it marked the final performances for two of our esteemed members, Sergeant First Class Jeremy Streem and Sergeant Vern Montgomery, who are both retiring. Their contributions over the years have been invaluable, and they will be deeply missed.
The Boardman performance was particularly challenging due to rain, but thanks to our sponsor at Boardman Park, we successfully moved the event to the Boardman Performing Arts Center. A massive thanks to them and Patrick Kale, Supervisor at Boardman Performing Arts Center, for hosting us on such short notice. Unfortunately, we had to cancel the performance at Mentor Civic Amphitheater due to rain.
In Cuyahoga Falls, the community put together a massive 80s-themed night that was unforgettable. With the concert being standing-room only, the event featured food trucks, a climbing wall, crafts, inflatables, photo booths, popsicles, and fireworks. This exciting lineup not only ensured a memorable experience for all attendees but also highlighted the incredible support and involvement of the local community.
As we look forward to the future, we are excited to celebrate the U.S. Army's 250th birthday next year and highlight more of our members.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our hosts:
- Tara Bartek, Recreation Program Manager at the City of Cuyahoga Falls
- Kevin Cindric, Event Manager at Mentor Civic Amphitheater
- Chris Redd, Dover High School Band Director
- Scott Conway, Beaver Township Parks Department Park administrator
- Angela Davis, Boardman Park clerk/office manager
- Patrick Kale, Supervisor at Boardman Performing Arts Center
- Marilyn Sessions, Hometown Bank Public Relations Officer
- Sue Knight, Troy City Council, Clerk of Council
- Suzanne Geisler, Springboro Park Board chair
- Joshua Steele, Manager of Memorial Hall - Senior Manager of 3CDC
- Monica Dexter, Community Outreach Coordinator of West Chester Public Information & Engagement
- Jen Brassil, Toledo Zoo Director, Public Relations & Communications Events
We also extend our gratitude to the leaders who attended our performances. Colonel Audrey L. Fielding, commanding officer of the 73rd Troop Command, Captain Jonathan Decker of the 155th Chemical Battalion, and Command Sergeant Major Ryan Scarberry of the 155th Chemical Battalion. A special thank you goes to the 155th Chemical Battalion and the 73rd Troop Command for supporting our mission.
And a heartfelt thank you to our incredible audiences – your enthusiasm and support drive us to keep performing and creating.
The 'Rewind to the 80s' tour was a resounding success, filled with joyous music, unforgettable moments, and meaningful connections. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our love of music with so many and look forward to what the future holds.
If you’re passionate about music and service, consider joining the 122nd Army Band. We’re always looking for talented individuals to be part of our musical family. Visit 122ndarmyband.com/join to learn more about how you can enlist and become part of our next chapter.
Stay connected with us for updates on future events and performances. We look forward to seeing you soon!
