Press

The U.S. Air Force Academy Falconaires swing through Edwards

Has it been that kind of week … the kind whose ending you feel could only be appropriately celebrated with the seismic symbol crashing and sprightly horn blowing of a major big band?

Well you’re in luck, because Vail Jazz @ Riverwalk presents an extra special free performance this Friday by none other than the U.S. Air Force Academy Falconaires Big Band. The Falconaires consider jazz to be “America’s only indigenous musical genre” and will fire off one after another of favorite arrangements from the American Swing Era as they deliver their unique take on numerous contemporary tunes.

If you can’t wait to kiss goodbye to a tough week, you might as well do it with a 14-piece horn section and amid the bustling company of friends, neighbors and visitors splitting their time between eating, drinking, picnicking and dancing at the Riverwalk Backyard Amphitheater.

The powerful force of The Falconaires marks the second to last Vail Jazz @ Riverwalk performance of the summer. The series delivers free live music every other Friday along with local food and drink vendors, including paella from Revolution, paninis and salads from Eat! Drink! and cocktails from 10th Mountain Whiskey.

Following this Friday’s performance, the final Vail Jazz @ Riverwalk concert of 2017 will be a grand finale indeed starring 12-piece Latin and Salsa band, Quemando.

“It truly exemplifies the diversity of the jazz genre when Vail Jazz @ Riverwalk moves from our last solo gig with one of the world’s most talented flutists [Nelson Rangell] to the huge Big Band sound of the Falconaires,” says Vail Jazz Operations Director James Kenly. “For people who haven’t checked it out yet, bring your picnic blanket and get to Edwards. It’s going to be an incredible party this Friday.”

In addition to food and drink vendors, Alpine Arts Center offers unique arts and crafts projects for children throughout the evening.

Vendors open at 5 p.m. and music begins at 6 p.m. Picnics are welcome but no pets are allowed. The event is non-smoking. Vail Jazz @ Riverwalk is presented by Alpine Bank and Kaiser Permanente.