USAFE Touch 'n Go Band entertains masses in Friuli Venezia Giulia region

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The U.S. Air Forces in Europe Touch 'n Go Band rocked their way through Italy's Friuli Venezia Giulia Region July 17-23.

The whirlwind tour featured eight local shows, starting with a preview show at the La Bella Vista club for base members and ending with a performance at Castello d'Aviano in the city of Aviano.

"This was our second time touring the area so we were able to really tailor our shows to what our Italian/American audiences would enjoy most - based off of last year's responses," said Master Sgt. John Link, band NCOIC and keyboardist. "This has been another great tour of Italy and we can't wait to come back again in the future. The people are wonderful and the region is amazing. We just want to thank everyone for being such gracious hosts and letting us entertain them."

The band performed a two-hour set each night of the tour, playing for audiences in Concordia Sagittaria, Trieste, Porcia, Bibione, Caorle, Casarsa Della Delizia and Aviano.

"We especially enjoyed playing in the beach resort towns such as Bibione and Trieste," said Sergeant Link. "The crowds were pretty big in these areas and seemed to really enjoy themselves."

Stefano Turchet, Mayor of Porcia, said the concert was a great way to bring Italian and American people together.

"I think that music is an important occasion for both American people and Italian people and it's important to recognize it."

Staff Sgt. Geoffrey Fisher, a lead vocalist with the band, agreed that music is a great way to unite different cultures.

"This is a way to foster our alliance with the local communities through music and it breaks down the communication barriers," he said.

Lt. Col. Chris Senkbeil, 31st Fighter Wing inspector general, and his wife, Corinne, were also among those crowd members who enjoyed the USAFE Touch n; Go Band's performance .

"It was a beautiful evening set under the stars overlooking the city lights," said Mrs. Senkbeil about the band's last performance in Aviano.

"The band was incredibly entertaining, playing multiple genre's - even some throw backs to my younger years," added Colonel Senkbeil.

"It was also nice to see so many people from the local community enthusiastic about the band and getting involved, dancing," he said. "It creates bonding relationships for the Air Force. Touch 'n Go's goal of fostering relationships was a mission success in Aviano."