FRANKLIN—The U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Concert Band intends to illuminate the lives of all who attend their performance on Thursday, Dec. 5, in Franklin High School. The free community concert will start at 7 p.m., and is hosted by The Tidewater News.

“Our theme is ‘Let It Shine,’ which is about the light of the holidays,” said Lt. Justin Lewis, who shares conducting duties with Capt. Mike Hoerber, the newly arrived commander.

Lewis added that the theme also symbolizes “the light that our airmen shine both here and abroad, such as the humanitarian missions they perform.”

To illustrate the point, video of airmen from this area will be shown.

“We’ll also have a really neat piece by Stephen Melillo called ‘Festival of Light,’ which celebrates Hanukkah,” Lewis said. In keeping with the composition, a ram’s horn will be used.

The Blue Aces, a rock band, will perform some fun numbers, he added.

Another feature will be Staff Sgt. Rachel Webber, the lead vocalist, singing “O Holy Night.”

“She just got back from a successful deployment in southwest Asia raising troop morale,” Lewis said. “We’re happy to have her back.”

The performance in Franklin is just one of 300 events the Concert Band performs annually. Lewis figures about 500,000 people see them from Maine to South Carolina.

This week, for example, members will play with the William and Mary Wind Ensemble. There’s also a Steelers game in Pittsburgh that’s on the schedule.

“We do a wide variety,” he said. “Sometimes we break into a brass quintet, two brass bands or a Dixie band.”

As mentioned, tickets are free, but must be obtained by going to the USAF Heritage of America Band website, www.heritageofamericaband.af.mil.

Ticket holders are asked to be seated by 6:45 pm. Non-ticket holders will be admitted for available seating at that time.