KIN TOWN, OKINAWA, Japan -- As daylight faded from the sky and shopkeepers prepared for another Friday night’s business, the sound of instruments being tuned and musicians warming up drew a diverse crowd of spectators.
As the crowd purchased food from local vendors and found its seats for the show, the members of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band prepared to perform in Kin Town April 27.
“This is the first time the band has played in Kin Town in about 20 years,” said Takayuki Kayo, the community relations specialist for Camp Hansen.
The community responded well to the free show.
“I actually did not know the band was going to be playing today,” said Paul Cassity, a spectator. “I had just planned on going to the park with my daughters, but when I saw the band setting up for their concert I decided to stay and called my neighbors to let them know about the show.”
The opportunity to interact with the community proved to be fun for the band members as well, said Sgt. Ted D. McElwee, a trombonist with the band.
“I enjoy when we have events like this because we are able to work around the people of Okinawa,” said McElwee. “Music is a universal language, so having this concert is a positive way (to) relate (with) the community.”
The venue was appropriate for the concert and will likely be used again.
“I have been talking more with the officer of the band, and we would like to continue to have the band come out and play in Kin Town,” said Kayo. “This is a very positive way the Marines can reach out to the Okinawan community. It does not matter what language someone speaks (everyone can) enjoy good music.”
For more information about the III MEF Band and concert schedule, call 645-3919.