BRADENTON, Fla. — The United States Air Force Band of the West is traveling to Tampa.
What You Need To Know
The band is performing five times in western Florida between Jan. 11 and Jan. 15
The band will perform in Tampa on Jan. 15th at the Tampa Convention Center
Clearwater native Ross Hussong is proud to continue his music career as a member of the Air Force
They performed in Bradenton on Wednesday night and are performing in Tampa Thursday night.
The band is made up of talented service members, including Clearwater native Ross Hussong, who has been serving in the Air Force for more than three years.
His love for music, and specifically drums, began not only at a young age, but from a popular franchise.
“I was a huge Star Wars nerd,” he said. “I had lightsabers, and I started drumming with toy lightsabers to the Imperial March, and my parents got so annoyed with it, they were just like, we got to get him some actual drumsticks.”
Studying music in high school and through college, Hussong said he didn’t know that playing in a band for the Air Force could be an option.
When the opportunity arose, he didn’t hesitate.
“To do something like this is already so rare, but to be able to do it and wear the uniform, it’s really a distinct honor that I never thought I would have,” he said.
Commander and Conductor David Regner said this tour takes on extra significance as it’s to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
Thursday night’s performance will be the fifth Florida performance in five days.
David said they’re looking forward to connecting with all who come.
“There are over 200 different career fields and jobs that someone can do in the Air Force,” he said. “Surely if we can do what we love as musicians and still serve our country, for anyone who also feels that they need to serve, there’s certainly a place for them in the Air Force.”
The band will perform at the Tampa Convention Center on Thursday night at 9:15 p.m.