Staff Sgt. Kyra Welch sings during a “Sounds of the Big Band” segment in Sunday’s concert at the Wiesbaden Kurhaus. The concert was performed by the 1st Armored Division Band and was titled “A History of the United States Through Music”. (Mark Patton / Stars and Stripes)
WIESBADEN, Germany — The 1st Armored Division "Old Ironsides" Band rocked the house Sunday night — in this case, the historic Wiesbaden Kurhaus.
More than 1,200 people packed the hall for "A History of the United States Through Music," which included songs ranging from the classic German love song "Lili Marleen" to the Southern rock anthem "Sweet Home Alabama."
The purpose of the concert was twofold, according to Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, 1st Armored Division commander, who is scheduled to relinquish command of the division later this month. "We wanted to give a gift to the people of Wiesbaden to thank them for taking care of our soldiers and our family members while we were deployed," he said.
Hertling also said that more than 50 percent of the band was new to the division, and the event gave members a chance to improve their teamwork.
The concert got off to a smooth start with a rousing rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," by Spc. Joel Heredia, and the energy of the concert never let down.
No mention of the Wiesbaden Kurhaus would be complete without a visit from Elvis Presley, who was known to frequent the Kurhaus to have dinner, gamble and perform. Sgt. Nathan Egts did not disappoint, as he put down his trumpet for a chance to step in the King’s "Blue Suede Shoes."
Denise Baum, a Wiesbaden resident, thought the concert was a unique opportunity for cultural exchange.
"It was amazing for us," said Baum. "I never imagined before that the Army would have so much fun. It was very emotional."
Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Bettencourt, commander of the band, hopes the concert will break the ice and the band will be able to share its music with the city more often.
"There is only one language of music," said Bettencourt. "No matter what you speak … it really can speak to you."
Staff Sgt. Kyra Welch sings during a “Sounds of the Big Band” segment in Sunday’s concert at the Wiesbaden Kurhaus. The concert was performed by the 1st Armored Division Band and was titled “A History of the United States Through Music”. (Mark Patton / Stars and Stripes)
Sgt. Nathan Egts does his best Elvis impression during a rendition of Presley’s “Blue Suede Shoes” during Sunday’s concert at the Wiesbaden Kurhaus. (Mark Patton / Stars and Stripes)
The 1st Armored Division Band settles in as concertgoers start to fill the seats before Sunday’s concert at the historic Wiesbaden Kurhaus. Nearly 1,200 people, mostly Germans, were treated to a free concert, which was a gift from the 1st AD thanking the citizens for their support of the soldiers and their families. (Mark Patton / Stars and Stripes)
