Turkey

A few weeks ago, I got a call from a very unusual number so of course... I didn't answer it. Little did I know that the pentagon was dialing with an interesting request. Fortunately it wasn't about any outstanding IRS balance, but a simple request for a short trip to a very far place.  So July 1st, with bags packed, passports secured, and nervous equipment on board, Brenn, along with our manager, Chad Provonsha and Producer, Michael "X" O'Connor,  started our trek to Turkey.

After over a day of travel, we finally arrived in Izmir to find a city that was unlike any we had ever seen or imagined. Packed with rolling mountains filled with houses and building piling all the way to the Mediterranean sea, Izmir opened its arms to us for the first two days of our trip. We spent the first night trying local beer (Efes) and enjoying a wonderful Turkish meal about 20 feet from the sea.

Our first show was a great success, playing for both American and Turkish military and civilians. Their warmth and hard work made our experience in Izmir absolutely seamless. After the show, some of us even had the chance to learn some Turkish Folk dancing....I have to admit I was a little distracted, I had the best partner!

The end of the trip led us to Adana, which is located a little ways from the water near the border of Syria. It was a quick trip, but the show was a delight.  Incirlik Air Base is one of the largest bases in the region, and hosts American troops and their families along with Turkish military. It was a 4th of July we will never forget, with a huge fireworks show following our performance.

We had a fantastic, adventurous trip to Turkey;  I honestly wish I could have stayed longer!  It was an amazing experience playing for the troops on one of most patriotic holidays.  We will never forget the experience and hope to return again someday.

Cheers!