Marine Corps Base Hawaii -- The U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band played on stage during the first ever summer concert series at Mololani Park, June 14, 2013.
The cool evening breeze rolled off the ocean over the Marine Corps Base Hawaii community in Mololani Park while the MarForPac Band presented their music to families who live in the base housing. Residents brought chairs and blankets for their family to sit and relax on during the concert. Children were free to run around the park and dance to the music in front of the stage.
The band played several genres of music, all family and patriotic oriented. After playing “America the Beautiful” and “Amazing Grace,” a few of the band members referred to as the MarForPac Party Band played on a smaller stage closer to the ground. They played popular hit songs, including “Gangnam Style.” Children went on stage to dance with the band.
“I love it,” said a daughter of 1st Lt. David Stout, the intelligence officer for Marine Aircraft Group 24 and native of La Crescenta, Calif. “It is a lot of fun for everyone. My favorite was ‘The Little Mermaid’ song.”
The band also had a competition with the families. The musicians played 10 Disney classics, which the families wrote down and turned in for a chance to win movie tickets at the base theater.
“The band put on a great performance and really had something for the whole family to enjoy,” Stout said. “I have seen the MarForPac Band before, but not the Party Band. They were classy and sounded good.”
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael J. Smith, principal director for the MarForPac Band, walked on stage to announce the winners of the competition, but instead of announcing first, second and third place, he said, “Everyone is a winner, I have 10 tickets and the first 10 people up here will receive the tickets.”
Children raced up to the front of the stage for their chance at a free movie ticket. A crowd of children gathered around Smith with their hands in the air hoping they would come down with a ticket. After they got a ticket several of them jumped up with their hands in the air and a smile.
The tone of the concert changed when the band began to play “The Marines’ Hymn.” The crowd stood at attention to show respect for the Marine Corps.
The band finished the hymn and waited for evening colors to sound off. After colors played families folded up their blankets, packed up chairs, put children in strollers and headed home for the evening.
“We have never done a show like this on base before,” said Cpl. Alex Dutton, 20, a percussionist with the MarForPac Band and a native of Philadelphia. “It was awesome to see everyone enjoying our music. Hopefully we can do another concert like this again.”