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World class guitarist joins forces with Band of Mid-America

  • Published
  • By Air Force Band of Mid-America
  • 375th AMW
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America hosted a unique guest May 18 to rehearse with their rock band, Starlifter.

Jennifer Batten, a solo artist and former guitarist with Michael Jackson, came to Scott Air Force Base to rehearse with the band in preparation for a future joint concert in the Chicago area.

As with all performing groups, rehearsal is an important part of the job, and Starlifter dedicates many hours to perfecting their art. Despite Ms. Batten's incredibly busy schedule, Airman 1st Class Aaron Kusterer, a guitarist and operations manager with Starlifter, was able to schedule a single day of rehearsal with Ms. Batten between her appearances in Rome and Beijing. The all-day rehearsal took place at Scott AFB and included musical collaboration between all involved.

Master Sgt. Guy Cantonwine, the NCO in charge of Starlifter, said, "This was the first time in my 25-year career that an Air Force rock band has collaborated with a well-known contemporary rock and metal guitarist. Ms. Batten walked away with a wonderful sense of the musical prowess and excellence that exists within the Air Force, and we plan to leave the same impression with our audience."

In memory of the King of Pop, the band and Ms. Batten are preparing a medley of Michael Jackson's tunes as well as several other chart-topping songs.

Airman Kusterer said that "To play these hits alongside an artist of this caliber is an amazing experience and is extremely inspiring; being able to feed off of her energy while creating my own was an unforgettable experience."

After the rehearsal, Ms. Batten hosted a one-hour question and answer session with members of the entire Band of Mid-America. Many questions focused on her guitar training and tours with Michael Jackson.

The day ended with Ms. Batten giving one-on-one guitar lessons to several of the band's guitarists.

The Band of Mid-America is in the process of scheduling the date for the joint performance. Their goal for this performance, as with all of their performances, is to highlight the professionalism found in today's Airmen, as well as the professionalism of an American who has already risen to the top of her game.

For information, photos, updates on the band's performances, as well as links to their Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and iLike pages, please visit www.bandofmidamerica.af.mil.