Tryon – The Tryon Downtown Development Association hosted a performance of classic rock, country, and patriotic music from Full Throttle on Tuesday, June 27.
Full Throttle, an eight-member rock band, is a component of the Air Force National Guard Band of the South and presented the concert as part of their ongoing outreach. Based in Nashville, TN, the Band of the South supports events for the TN Air National Guard, 134 Air Refueling Wing and other military and civilian functions.
“We interact with the public, we spread the message of the air force and the international guard and we act as cultural ambassadors from the military to the public. And that’s really important, so we spend a lot of time doing it, and it’s a very rewarding experience,” explained Master Sargent David Fairchild. Master Sargent Fairchild is one of the group leaders in the Air Force National Guard and leads the music for Full Throttle.
The Air National Guard Band of the South supports the total Air Force and Air National Guard mission in war and peace by inspiring patriotism and fostering a deep appreciation of the rich history and legacy of the Air Force.
The Tuesday night concert was offered free of charge to the community as a kickoff to local Independence Day festivities. More than 250 residents of Tryon and Columbus, NC and nearby Landrum, SC came out for the performance in Tryon’s outdoor Rogers Park Amphitheater.
Master Sargent Fairchild and the Full Throttle band were impressed with the crowd’s enthusiasm.
“They were wonderful. I don’t think I’ve seen a crowd that we’ve performed for where we say Everybody, get on your feet and dance, and the entire crowd got on their feet and danced. That was really amazing and really unique. It was wonderful,” said Fairchild.
Additional information on Full Throttle is available at www.music.af.mil/Bands/ANG-Band-of-the-South.