red white & blue tour

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Army Sgt. Christal Sanders Rheams performs with the North Carolina Symphony during their Red White & Blue Tour here June 1, 2010. Sergeant Rheams is a vocalist from the United States Army Band and has shared the stage with stars like Wayne Newton, Ricky Martin and Trisha Yearwood. Sergeant Rheams is a native of Raleigh. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Gino Reyes)

red white & blue tour

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Grant Llewellyn conducts the North Carolina Symphony here June 1, 2010. Mr. Llewellyn is also the assistant conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and is known throughout the world as a musician of great talent, versatility and passion. Mr. Llewellyn is a native of Tenby, Wales. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Gino Reyes)

red white & blue tour

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Grant Llewellyn addresses the audience before the North Carolina Symphony performs June 1, 2010. Mr. Llewellyn is the conductor of the North Carolina Symphony which performed as part of the group's Red White & Blue Tour. The tour pays tribute to the men and women who have kept America safe for generations. Mr. Llewellyn is a native of Tenby, Wales. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Gino Reyes)

Symphony entertains SJ community

Published June 3, 2010
By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Some adults merely tapped their toes in time with the beat while others danced with their children as an Army sergeant belted out ballads backed by the North Carolina Symphony here June 1.

The North Carolina Symphony kicked off their Red, White & Blue Tour with a free performance at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base to pay tribute to the men and women of the state who have kept America safe for generations.

The symphony's rendition of songs like "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "St. Louis Blues" kept young and old audience members mesmerized. Grant Llewellyn, the symphony musical director, or North Carolina Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton introduced each song with historical background information. The Governor also shared a message of thanks to those serving at Seymour Johnson AFB.

"Thank you from the men and women of North Carolina who you protect every day," he said. "Thank you for your service and sacrifice, which means so much to so many."

During the performance, Army Sgt. Christal Sanders Rheams, an alto vocalist, asked the audience not to judge her for being from a different branch. The crowd's response to her passionate renditions of swing-jazz songs that were hits before she was born sealed her acceptance.

"I thought it was lovely," said Angela Caywood, wife of Airman 1st Class Jason Caywood, 4th Security Forces Squadron patrolman. "I love the symphony and this was a great cultural thing to enjoy."

Her daughter, Victorianna Caywood, lost herself in the music during the performance dancing, jumping and twirling with delight. Victorianna said she thought Sergeant Sanders Rheams sang like a princess.

The night ended with the 4th Fighter Wing commander, Col. Patrick Doherty expressing his thanks to the performers for taking the time to visit the base. Soon after, an F-15E Strike Eagle sortie launched into the night sky, displaying the base's own sound of freedom.

The tour wraps up with a ticketed performance at the Koka Booth Amphitheater at Regency Park in Cary at 7:30 p.m. June 5. For information about tickets, call (919) 733-2750.