The Musik Brigade rocks Estonia

Photo By Sgt. James Sims | Staff Sgt. Ashley Sangret, of Detroit, Mich., entertains the crowd gathered at the Russian Cultural Center in Tallinn, Estonia, during a performance Sept. 16 by the Musik Brigade. The Musik Brigade, based in Sembach, Germany, is recent offshoot of the U.S. Army Europe band and chorus that specializes in original jazz interpretations of well-known songs from the past and present. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. James D. Sims)  

TALLINN, ESTONIA

09.16.2014

Story by Sgt. James Sims 

U.S. Army Europe and Africa     

TALLINN, Estonia – The Musik Brigade, based in Sembach, Germany, performned September 16 at the Russian Cultural Center in Tallinn, Estonia for members of the Estonian Defense Forces, the Estonian people as well as personel from the U.S. Embassy.

“The overall mission of the U.S. Army Band and Chorus is to support U.S. military functions in Germany and to engage other host nations with musical support for community relations to promote the U.S. military and the United States overseas,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel Madsen, from Kokomo, Ind. the drummer for the band.

The Musik Brigade is a new off-shoot of the USAREUR Band and Chorus comprised of a12-person “little big band”. The band specializes in original jazz interpretations of well-known songs from the past and present.

“We are looking to bridge cultures through the international language of music,” said Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Distefano of North Ridge, CA, the noncommisioned officer in charge of The Musik Brigade.

The Musik Brigade is doing four shows in Estonia.

Estonia Seaman Sergei Mihnevich of Maardu, Estonia, “We heard that there was an American Army concert and we actually love the jazz and this kind of music and I thought it would be fascinating to come here.”

As for the concert, Mihnevich said, “It’s just wonderful, I love these people. I think they love what they are doing, they know what they are doing and they have passion about it!”

From Aloe Blacc’s, Loving You Is Killing Me to Staying Alive by the Bee Gees and Happy by Pharrell Williams, the band makes the statement that The Musik Brigade is not your Grandparent’s big band.

Mihnevich concluded that, “More people should know about and have more interest in this music because I think that jazz, swing and the big band is just a legend. It should be in our hearts forever.”

• Date Taken: 09.16.2014
• Date Posted: 09.25.2014 03:38
• Story ID: 143209
• Location: TALLINN, EE