Sugarland delivers sweet sound of home to Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  In a dimly-lit hangar on the flightline, the crowd erupted in applause as one of country music's biggest sensations, Sugarland, took the stage.

Performing for its first time in Europe on March 6, it was only fitting that the band's first show be in front of a mostly American audience - servicemembers and their families stationed at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

The visit, which was hosted by the Armed Forces Entertainment organization, was the start of the band's month-long European tour, which includes shows at several military installations in Italy, Germany and the Netherlands.

"The response from the Aviano community from our first advertisements of the concert was that they couldn't believe we were getting such a big-name band to perform," said Susan Lear, 31st Force Support Squadron community center director. "There were about 1,500 people in attendance and everyone really seemed to enjoy the concert. Sugarland put on a fantastic show and Katie Rae Davis was a great opening act."

Sugarland, which is headed by vocalist Jennifer Nettles and guitarist/vocalist Kristian Bush, has been big on the country music scene since its multi-platinum debut album "Twice the Speed of Life" in 2004, followed by its sophomore album "Enjoy the Ride" in 2006 and its 2008 release "Love on the Inside."

More recently, the Country duo received the Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for their song "Stay" at the 51st Grammy Awards as well as the award for Best Country Song for "Stay."

Ms. Nettles said that performing for military members and their families stationed overseas seemed like the logical first step in planning out their first European tour.

"We wanted to come to Europe in general for our own career sake ...," said Ms. Nettles, " ... and then we thought while we're over here in this area why don't we come out and do a few armed forces shows because they're obviously our fellow citizens in the form of soldiers (and Airmen) who are here serving and I'm sure some of them would love to see a little bit of home."

One such Airman, Staff Sgt. Veronica Jackson of the 31st Communications Squadron, said the concert was just that - a little bit of home.

"One simple word would describe the concert - Amazing," said Sergeant Jackson. "Sugarland exudes this charismatic, lively energy that is contagious. Then you have Jennifer Nettles as lead singer who is truly hypnotizing. Her slight twang, yet soulful voice accompanied by creative and talented musicians makes anyone (country fan or not) realize this band is pretty darn good.

"From my personal experience, I dragged people with me that had never heard of them and they left as fans!"

From the planning stages to the actual execution of the concert, Ms. Lear said there were many helping hands throughout the base that made the concert possible.

"From the 31st Force Support Squadron, Civil Engineer Squadron, Logistics Readiness Squadron, Maintenance Group, Security Forces Squadron, Public Affairs and American Forces Network to the many volunteers across the base, everyone really pulled together to help make this show the success that it was," said Ms. Lear. "Aviano has the best support from all base organizations. Every time we (31st FSS) have requested their help such as for United Service Organization shows and Armed Forces Entertainment concerts they have exceeded our expectations.

"We just want to thank everyone who assisted on base as well as Sugarland, Katie Rae Davis and Armed Forces Entertainment for such a great night," she said. "This was a great morale boost for the Aviano community."