Celtic Aire visits Alaska

The U.S. Air Force Band ensemble Celtic Aire performs an acapella rendition of the national anthem at the Alaska Scottish Highland Games opening ceremony in Palmer, Alaska, June 26, 2021. The ensemble played several shows across the weekend, and dedicated a portion of each show to recognizing service members and veterans in attendance.

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Celtic Aire visits Alaska

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Hoffman, U.S. Air Force Band ensemble Celtic Aire percussionist and accordionist, performs in the Alaska Scottish Highland Games at Palmer, Alaska, June 26, 2021. The members of Celtic Aire are multi-talented, jumping between different musical roles depending on the piece being performed.

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Celtic Aire visits Alaska

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Eric Sullivan, U.S. Air Force Band ensemble Celtic Aire bassist and vocalist, plays bass guitar at the Alaska Scottish Highland Games in Palmer, Alaska, June 26, 2021. Providing an entertaining show is important, but the primary mission for the ensemble is to represent the United States Air Force and leave a positive impact on the communities they visit.

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Celtic Aire visits Alaska

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Julia Cuevas, U.S. Air Force Band ensemble Celtic Aire traditional Irish instrumentalist and vocalist, performs at the Alaska Scottish Highland Games in Palmer, Alaska, June 26, 2021. Each member of Celtic Aire has a primary instrument, but many also can swap to new instruments for different pieces and all members provide vocals for their performances. Several of the members also belong to the Singing Sergeants, another U.S. Air Force Band ensemble.

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Celtic Aire visits Alaska

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Haughton, U.S. Air Force Band ensemble Celtic Aire fretted instrumentalist and vocalist, plays the acoustic guitar at the Alaska Scottish Highland Games in Palmer, Alaska, June 26, 2021. This event marks the first time the Washington D.C.-based ensemble has traveled to Alaska, as well as their first show since the COVID pandemic began.

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Celtic Aire visits Alaska

The U.S Air Force Band ensemble Celtic Aire performs at the Alaska Scottish Highland Games in Palmer, Alaska, June 26, 2021. The ensemble traveled from Washington D.C. to play at the event, performing traditional Celtic and folk music. The group has created many original compositions, which they play alongside traditional Celtic pieces and modern cover songs. They also have created a Celtic rendition of each armed service branch’s song, which they played at the event to recognize service members and veterans in attendance.

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Celtic Aire visits Alaska

U.S. Air Force Band ensemble Celtic Aire performs to an onlooking crowd at the Alaska Scottish Highland Games in Palmer, Alaska, June 26, 2021. Celtic Aire played several shows throughout the event, bringing traditional Celtic and folk music to Alaska while representing the U.S. Air Force Band. The group stayed behind after each show to pass out free CDs, meet the audience, and share greetings and stories with those in attendance.

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Celtic Aire visits Alaska

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Adam Tianello, U.S. Air Force Band ensemble Celtic Aire bagpipist, plays at the Alaska Scottish Highland Games in Palmer, Alaska, June 26, 2021. Tianello spoke at length about how he enjoyed performing, but the real reward is getting to interact with those they met in their travels. Raising morale of troops on deployment, meeting veterans, and representing the U.S. Air Force are all things Tianello appreciates about playing in the U.S. Air Force Band.

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Celtic Aire visits Alaska

Senior Master Sgt. Emily Wellington, U.S. Air Force Band ensemble Celtic Aire violinist and vocalist, performs at the Alaska Scottish Highland Games in Palmer, Alaska, June 26, 2021. As part of the U.S. Air Force Band, Celtic Aire travels around the world to represent the Air Force and provide a positive impact upon the communities they visit.

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Celtic Aire visits Alaska

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Julia Cuevas, U.S. Air Force Band ensemble Celtic Aire traditional Irish instrumentalist and vocalist, hands out CDs and meets with audience members after a show at the Alaska Scottish Highland Games in Palmer, Alaska, June 26, 2021. This was the ensemble's first visit to Alaska, where they spent time after each show to meet and talk with the audience. Interacting with the community is a vital part of the U.S. Air Force Band’s mission, leaving a positive representation of the Air Force wherever they go.

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Celtic Aire visits Alaska

Published July 1, 2021
By Airman 1st Class Patrick Sullivan
673d Air Base Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The U.S. Air Force Band ensemble Celtic Aire performs an acapella rendition of the national anthem at the Alaska Scottish Highland Games opening ceremony in Palmer, Alaska, June 26, 2021. The ensemble played several shows across the weekend, and dedicated a portion of each show to recognizing service members and veterans in attendance.