by Derek—2005.07.06 @ 2107
I just completed my first official trip with the band, or "TDY"--temporary duty. I was accompanying the band in a support role by taking photographs and providing public affairs support if needed. Just prior to the trip, however, I was asked to take on the additional duty of driving the Colonel.
The trip was an adventure. I really enjoyed driving the Colonel and it made the trip quick and manageable. Our first stop was to Danville, Virginia, on July 3. The outdoor ampitheatre where we performed is downtown in the abandoned tobacco warehouse district. Although the area was very clean, it was strange to see so many old deserted red-brick buildings.
There were over 3,000 people in and around the pavilion and the concert was well-received.
For Independence Day, we drove to Cary, North Carolina, and gave a concert to over 20,000 people in the outdoor Cary ampitheatre. The North Carolina Symphony took the stage first and we followed. We shared the stage for the last few numbers, including the famous '1812' overture. Fireworks followed, but we did our best to pack up and get out before the display was over to avoid the traffic.