[Dixielandjazz] your tax dollars (was "worst gig")

[Jim Kashishian]

The "worst gig ever" thread of course has less meaning to the reader than
the one that experienced the actual gig, so I had stayed away from the
subject.  However, Larry mentioned a gig with the Air Force Bands, and I
recalled one I did with the 523rd out of March AFB, California (early
1960's).  This is not a "worst gig" though, but a different subject:  your
tax dollars at work!
 
The band was bussed from Riverside California out into the nearby Mojave
desert (several hours...don't remember to where, exactly), to an AF air
base.  We got into formation, a small plane landed, a General came down the
steps, saluted the band (& flag) as we honked out some J.P. Sousa march, and
got into a car (to go to a meeting, I supposed).
 
The band got back on the bus, drove for several more hours, got out & formed
again on an AF flight line awaiting a plane.  The same plane landed, and the
same General got off.  He walked up to the band, and after his salute said
"haven't I seen you guys somewhere before?"
 
The band got back on the bus & returned to Riverside.  Just a day's work.
:>
 
Jim