Photo By Sgt. Marshall Thompson | Command Sgt. Major Burdette Shields, the 40th CSG command sergeant major, does a solo...... read more read more
BALAD, Iraq-Servicemembers at Logistical Support Area Anaconda have used their spare time to provide quality entertainment for their fellow servicemembers in the form of a rhythm and blues band.
The Anaconda R&B band played its "Big Show" at the East Morale, Welfare and Recreation Facility at the end of April.
The group opened with some twelve bar blues with everyone taking a turn to improvise. A male and female vocalist augmented the group and they performed hits like "No Mountain High Enough" and "My Girl."
The crowd of about 50 got into the music by standing up and clapping along with the songs. The male vocalist, Sgt. Mark Stephens, the deployment cycle briefing NCOIC from the 18th Personnel Services Battalion, said that he started practicing with the group only a few days before the concert. However, some parts of the group were playing together prior to deploying to Iraq.
Sgt. Maj. Burdette Shields, the 40th Corps Support Group command sergeant major, met up with Sgt. Maj. Terrence Clark, the S-3 operations sergeant major from the 19th Support Center, in Germany before taking over their jobs in Iraq. Both played guitar and they started talking about getting a group together once they got into country.
"We met in Germany and we found out that we both played a little bit so we talked about putting a little something together," Clark said.
The group started playing together in the MWR just for fun when Shields came across a talented saxophone player, 1st Lt. Jerome L. Ford III, a platoon leader with 2-44th Air Defense Artillery.
"One day I was playing in the MWR and Lt. Ford walked in and said that we should get a band together," Shields said.
By April 19, the band included three guitarists, a drummer, a bass player, two trumpet players, a saxophone player and two singers.
Stephens, who has been singing since he was three years old, said that he had no idea there would be a band this good in Iraq. He said that singing with the band has been a good experience for him.
"It enlightens me," Stephens said. "It kind of takes away the stress of everyday life at Balad."
Shields said he hoped that the servicemembers and civilians who attended the concert had a good experience as well.
"We enjoying playing for the Soldiers," Shields said. "It takes the Soldiers away from theater for a while and helps bring back some good memories."
| Date Taken: | 05.19.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 05.19.2006 07:03 |
| Story ID: | 6443 |
| Location: | BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 127 |
| Downloads: | 33 |
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