Members of the Blue Aces perform at the youth center on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Oct. 17, 2012. After the band played two, 45-minute sets, the members posed for photos with fans and signed autographs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho/Released)
Team Seymour youth throw their hands up during the Blue Aces performance at the youth center on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Oct. 17, 2012. The Air Combat Command band plays for military members and their families both stateside and overseas. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho/Released)
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bennett Weidemann, Blue Aces drummer, performs during a concert at the youth center on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Oct. 17, 2012. The band, stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., plays numerous concerts throughout the year for military members and their families to boost morale. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho/Released)
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Niko Ellison, Blue Aces vocalist, sings to a group of children at the youth center on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Oct. 17, 2012. Band members got the crowd on their feet singing and dancing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho/Released)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Aaron Weibe, Blue Aces guitarist (right), and Master Sgt. Kenny Maurais, Blue Aces bassist, perform during a concert at the youth center on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Oct. 17, 2012. The band consists of one bassist, two electric guitarists, a drummer and vocalist. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho/Released)
Blue Aces band members sign autographs for members of Team Seymour at the youth center on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Oct. 17, 2012. The band travels to numerous stateside and overseas bases performing for military members and their families to boost morale (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho/Released)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brad Femiak, Blue Aces audio engineer, adjusts settings on a soundboard at the youth center on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Oct. 17, 2012. The soundboard controls the different levels and dynamics for audio signals of the instruments during the concert. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho/Released)
by Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/25/2012 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Members from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., were rocking and rolling when the Air Combat Command band The Blues Aces, held a concert at the base's youth center, Oct. 17.
The Blue Aces performed two 45-minute sets with songs from artists such as Michael Jackson and Maroon 5.
"I think the kids really enjoyed having the Blue Aces come out and perform for them today," said Jasmine Carroll, 4th Force Support Squadron youth programs chief. "This is the first time a live band has come out to play and the kids had a great time. They got to get up and dance and a few of the children got to perform themselves."
Members of Team Seymour filled the youth center gym to enjoy the performance.
"The energy was phenomenal," said Tech. Sgt. Niko Ellison, Blue Aces vocalist. "We love playing in front of the kids because they give us so much love back."
After playing, the band took photos and signed autographs for fans.
"It was really awesome to see these kids out here enjoying themselves like that," said Tech. Sgt. Bennett Weidemann, Blue Aces drummer. "I love performing, and I absolutely love playing for the kids."
The concert offered an opportunity for families to come together, enjoy music and have a good time.
"This is a great event for the families," said Lt. Col. Charles Parada, 4th FSS commander. "One of our key missions is to regenerate not only the Airmen, but their families as well. The kids got to come out and see a live band which is awesome. It's a great experience for the whole community."