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The performers for this year’s NATO Music Festival, which takes place June 11, have been finalized.
“We have put together a most interesting and diverse event,” said Col. (Dr.) Michael Schramm, head of the Bundeswehr Military Music Service, who is in charge of the this year’s NATO Music Festival musical arrangement.
Germany will be represented by the Naval Band Baltic Sea and a drill formation from the Guards Battalion. Other participants are the Upper Austria Military Band, the Royal Naval Band from Belgium, the Latvian National Armed Forces Band from Riga, and the Koszalin Military Band from Poland.
“All musical ensembles will stage their exciting shows. The military ensemble from Luxembourg is going to accompany special guest star Joy Fleming — certainly a fascinating highlight,” Colonel Schramm said. “And last, but by no means least, the United States Air Forces in Europe Band will present their breathtaking show.”
Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, commander of Headquarters AC Ramstein and USAFE, said he invites all of the KMC’s neighbors to attend this musical event.
“It is a tremendous opportunity to enjoy outstanding entertainment and support a worthy charitable cause,” said General Welsh, who is co-hosting the event with Kaiserslautern Lord Mayor Dr. Klaus Weichel.
The NATO Music Festival has been a long-standing tradition that represents the connection between the people in the region and the North Atlantic Alliance. Participating bands present their nation’s culture as well as individual musical styles.
This year marks the 22nd edition of this event. Since 1965, thrilling atmosphere, colorful uniforms and military precision of musical performances have been highlights of this unique Kaiserslautern festival.
Proceeds from the NATO Music Festival will go entirely to the NATO Music Festival Foundation, which was established in 2003.
Last time, more than €12,000 was donated in support of regional handicapped, kindergartens and the Children’s Aid Organisation SOS-Kinderdorf. This assistance is possible only because participating military bands forgo their fees and
overhead costs for the organization are kept to a minimum.
“I would be delighted to see all of you on June 11,” General Welsh said. “Get ready for another edition of the NATO Music Festival, featuring outstanding military bands from seven NATO countries, the spectacular presentation of the Bundeswehr drill team and a special performance by the famous German vocalist Joy Fleming.”
Tickets for this year’s NATO Music Festival are on sale at the Tourist Information Office on Fruchthallstraße (call 0631 365-2316/2317) and at Ticket-Online advance booking offices (call +49 (0)1805-4470 or visit www.ticketonline.de). Advance booking prices range from €14 to €25 (€16 to €27 at night). Discounts and special rates are available for wheelchair users, youth, school children, students as well as basic service conscripts and people doing community service.
As a memento, special NATO Music Festival pins are on sale for €2 at the Tourist Information Office and during the festival. The City of Kaiserslautern offers another new service: festival goers may park their car near the stadium for a fee of €5.
The Tourist Information Office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, visit www.nmf-kl.de.
(Courtesy of HQ Allied Air Command Ramstein Public Affairs)
