Air Force music ensemble plays in Negaunee

NEGAUNEE — The branches of the U.S. military don’t only perform the difficult job of protecting America. They also spread goodwill across the country, and around the world, through music.

Seven different ensembles are part of the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America. One of them, the Midwest Winds Woodwind Quintet, is on a U.P. tour. They’ve made their way through the region since Sunday and they played at the Negaunee Senior Center this afternoon.

“I try to keep it as informal as possible,” Midwest Winds music director Master Sgt. Robert Jordan said. “We communicate what we’re doing with the Air Force, and we also, as much as we possibly can, tribute and give honor to the veterans who’ve served before us.”

The Midwest Winds are based out of Scott Air Force Base near Belleville, Illinois. They play about 300 times a year across the Midwest, often for veterans in small group settings.

“There’s, not too surprisingly, a pretty large number of retired Air Force veterans and other members of the service around here, so it’s really easy and wonderful to do,” Master Sgt. Jordan said.

The Midwest Winds’ U.P. tour continues tomorrow at the Ishpeming Carnegie Library at 2 and 6 p.m. They’ll be at the Oscar Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain at 1:30 p.m. Central time Friday, and they’re playing at the Marquette Harborfest at noon on Saturday.