The U.S. Army Field Band's Concert Band and Soldiers' Chorus are currently on the road, travelling thoughout the Southwest United States (tonight....Carlsbad, NM) presenting free concerts for thousands of Americans.

I had a few free days prior to hitting the road for 6 weeks so it was only natural that I'd travel to "warm up."  It was wonderful to take a way too brief trip to Los Angeles to visit my daughter Gabrielle.  Gabe is a wonderfully talented ballet dancer and teacher and I was able to see a show by the company that she co-founded, the "Lost Angels Ballet."

This is one of their publicity photos (she's the one on the right with the killer abs).  You can view a short video of her in action at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eplgojq47n8 .  The show their company presented was just terrific, playing to a nearly full house at the Hermosa Beach Playhouse.  Terrifically entertaining, great production values, and some wonderful dancing.

It's an amazing feeling to watch your daughter perform at such a high artistic level but it's even more wonderful to enjoy her company and appreciate what a great young woman she is.

Prior to joining the Band & Chorus in New Mexico, I was lucky enough to catch America's Big Band - the Jazz Ambassadors, another of The Field Band's groups, performing at Bass Hall in Fort Worth for a couple of packed houses.  If you ever get a chance to hear this incredible group, or any part of The U.S. Army Field Band, don't miss it -- and the price is right.  Some of the places you can get more information about free upcoming performances are:

http://www.ArmyFieldBand.com
http://www.twitter.com/fieldband
http://www.twitter.com/jazzambassadors
http://www.twitter.com/armyrockband
http://www.facebook.com/FieldBand
http://www.facebook.com/jazzambassadors