The Field Band has been out on the road quite a bit this month for Summer Tour. We played some really nice concerts and the weather has been fabulous, which is good because many of the gigs were outdoors.  This first picture is from Boardman, Ohio on July 3rd. Lots of sweet fireworks after the show. 

Our 4th of July was spent in Pittsburgh, PA at a huge celebration on the Allegheny River. This was one of the largest and most challenging set-ups I've seen yet. There was an extremely small stage at the edge of the bank that was way too small for the band. We had a fun time squeezing all the chairs, stands, and audio equipment up there. Then we added all the people and instruments. My chair was about five inches from the edge of a good drop. To make things even more interesting, the Soldier's Chorus and Percussion section were on an actual Corp of Engineers barge that was floating in the river behind the stage. Things got wobbly when the speedboat races started and the barge started rocking. Despite the logistical challenges, this was a fun concert. The crowd was huge and we played right up until the fireworks began. Great way to celebrate America's B-day!

Here I am posing with some American Legion guys before a concert in New York.

My little brother, the 2nd LT, got married on June 27th. I was able to fly out to attend the ceremony in Houston and then meet up with the band on tour. 

Some of most memorable moments of tour occur after our work for the day is complete and we get to explore the interesting small towns we end up in. Here is fellow soldier, SSG Brendan Curran, attempting to demolish the 2lb burger challenge at Denny's Beer Barrel Pub in Clearfield, PA. Seeing as the burger was loaded with a ridiculous number of toppings, was as big as his head, and weighed over 5lbs once fully cooked and dressed, we didn't give him TOO hard of a time when he had to gracefully bow out at the end. At least his meat sweat and shakes at the end proved he had given it his all. 

At the moment we are on leave before the second phase of Summer Tour starts up again. I'm enjoying the time off in Colorado and Texas with some hiking and brew pub tours. 

Here I am savoring the sweet flavors at O'Dells. 

Gotta love the domesticated wildlife!