Velocity performs despite storms during 4th of July celebration

  • Published
  • By By Tech. Sgt. Carlos J. Treviño
  • 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas --  

The show must go on and that is what Velocity, a pop ensemble with the Air Force Band of the West, did when they played at the official 2018 City of San Antonio 4th of July Celebration at Woodlawn Lake during a break between thunder storms.

The previous stage act, the Austin-based Selena tribute band Bidi Bidi Banda, was scheduled to open before Velocity, but cancelled their show as gusting winds and thunderstorms rolled into the park and drove many celebrants away. A band from JBSA-Lackland traditionally plays at this celebration in San Antonio’s most popular park and Velocity maintained this custom despite intermittent drizzle and light winds during their show.

The group started their show an hour past their scheduled show time due to weather, however, the Airmen were flexible and drew a crowd despite threatening skies. There was never a doubt that they were not going to perform and entertain fans on the nation’s birthday.

“Velocity tries to play music anytime we can despite the weather,” Master Sgt. Nick Wellman, audio engineer with Velocity, said. “The bands mission is that we always strive to honor, inspire and connect with the community of San Antonio.”

“We feel it is real important that we bring patriotism through our music to a celebration like today celebrating not only the 300th anniversary of San Antonio and the anniversary of our freedom,” he said.

Fans were not disappointed with the band’s performance and their play list.

“I just loved the music that they choose,” said Sylvia Rodriguez, a former honorary commander with the 433rd Airlift Wing and board member with the San Antonio Parks Foundation, one of the sponsors of the official 2018 City of San Antonio 4th of July Celebration at Woodlawn Lake.

“It’s a very special thing to have an Air Force band here on the 4th of July. They were very engaging,” Rodriguez said. “I could see the fans singing along with them, and I have to hand it to them for staying with us to perform regardless of the weather,” she said.