Airmen of Note

THAT'S A WRAP | Our 2026 Jazz Heritage Series has officially come to a close and we’re so grateful to everyone who joined us in honoring some of the most influential jazz musicians in history.

Take a look back at our tribute to Charlie Parker, featuring selections from "Bird with Strings." This performance featured collaborations with musicians from the U.S. Air Force Strings, U.S. Navy Band, and U.S. Army Band - a real tour de force.

Be on the lookout in the coming months for new video products dropping on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube featuring highlights from both our Jazz Heritage Series and Guest Artist Series! 👀🎥

(Official U.S. Air Force photos by Chief Master Sgt Nate Lavy)

NOTE ON THE ROAD | The Airmen of Note's Spring Tour starts tomorrow April 23rd in Conway, Arkansas!

If you live in Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, or Louisiana we'd love to see you along the way! We've prepared an exciting program that features classic tunes and brand new arrangements by members of the band, and we're also excited to be passing through Memphis and New Orleans - two of the most historic cities in the U.S. for jazz performance and preservation.

Invite a friend, grab your tickets, and we'll see you there!

🎟️ Tickets and information here 👉 https://www.music.af.mil/USAFBand/Events/National-Tours/Airmen-of-Note/

TOUR NEXT WEEK | The Airmen of Note's spring tour throughout Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana begins next week! Our first few concerts are as follows:

📍 Thursday April 23, 2026 | 7:00 P.M. CDT - Reynolds Performance Hall University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR
📍 Friday April 24, 2026 | 7:00 P.M. CDT - Little Rock Central High School, Little Rock, AR
📍 Saturday April 25, 2026 | 7:00 P.M. CDT - Central High School, Memphis, TN
📍 Sunday April 26, 2026 | 2:00 P.M. CDT - Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, Northwest Mississippi Community College, Senatobia, MS

For our full performance schedule and FREE ticket reservations, please visit this link 👉 https://bit.ly/3Tw591E

We can't wait to see you there!

ONE MORE WEEK | The Airmen of Note's 29th Annual Sammy Nestico Composers Competition deadline is just one week away!

Submit your original big band chart for a chance to receive the Sammy Nestico Legacy Award, along with a follow up commission to be performed by the Note. 🎵

📅 Submission deadline: Friday, April 17 ✍️

Learn more and apply here:
👉 https://bit.ly/3HPENSP

BIG BAND WRITERS | Do you have an original chart you’ve been waiting to share? We'd love to hear it! Submissions are open for the 29th Annual Sammy Nestico Award!

The winning composer will be recognized as part of the Nestico Award legacy, receive a follow-up commission, and hear their music brought to life on stage by the Airmen of Note. 🎶

The deadline to apply is Friday April 17, 2026 ✍️

Learn more and apply here:
👉 https://bit.ly/41nIzhT

SPRING TOUR LOADING | The Airmen of Note are heading south! If you live in Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, or Louisiana we invite you to join us from April 23rd - May 1st for a performance near you!

Tell your family and friends and we'll see you there!

👉 For FREE ticket reservation and more info, follow the link below:
https://bit.ly/3Tw591E

CHARLIE "YARDBIRD" PARKER | The Airmen of Note are proud to present the final Jazz Heritage Series performance of 2026, in collaboration with the Air Force Strings!

🎷 This concert pays tribute to one of the most important musicians of the 20th century, Charlie Parker. Affectionately known as “Yardbird,” or simply “Bird,” Parker created a timeless and profound musical language that continues to shape jazz improvisation today. His mastery of the saxophone cemented his status as a musical genius and his unique sound has influenced the generations of players that followed him.

Audiences can expect to hear many of Bird’s classic recordings from the record "Charlie Parker with Strings," including “Summertime” and “Laura.” This is a performance you won’t want to miss. 🎶

📍 Thursday, April 9th
📍 7:30 P.M.
📍 Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria, Virginia

🎟️ Admission is FREE with ticket reservation: https://bit.ly/486Gr1N