U.S. Pacific Fleet Band Performs for Timor-Leste

By Ens. Desiree Woodman, Pacific Partnership 2010 Public Affairs

DILI, Timor-Leste (NNS) -- U.S. Pacific Fleet Band members performed for a crowd of roughly 400 people Aug. 14 at the Governor's Palace as part of Pacific Partnership 2010.

The Pacific Fleet band opened the performance as a New Orleans-style Brass Band, and then transformed into an American Rock Band. Much to the delight of the crowd, they played Rock n' Roll favorites and songs by artist like Michael Jackson, Black Eyed Peas, and Bob Marley.

"This is the best concert in Timor-Leste," said Timorese native Januario Suares. "The Timorese love the music, they are just shy people."

The Governor's Palace provided a great venue for the Band, with a spectacular sunset behind them about half-way through the concert. Police blocked off the road, and people filled the street to hear the Band's performance, an uncommon event in Timor-Leste. Children and adults were moving to the music and singing along to American favorites, most notably "I'm Yours," by Jason Mraz, which brought the crowd to its feet. Members of the band took turns dancing with the crowd during the hour and a half long concert.

"In the last few countries, the audience has been people that have heard about the concert through word of mouth," said Musician 1st Class Eric Snitzer. "It's really interesting how the word can spread in such a short amount of time."

Prior to Timor-Leste, the band has performed in Pacific Partnership 2010's previous mission ports of Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia. They have also performed in every liberty port during Pacific Partnership to include Honolulu, Guam, Singapore and Darwin. This was the last public rock band performance for Pacific Partnership 2010, although the Brass band will continue to Papua New Guinea aboard the Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Tobruk.

"Both American and Timorese love the music, and we are happy you are here," said Timorese native Antonio Rodrigues. "We like watching the Americans dance."

As the concert ended, the crowd cheered and requested an encore. The band played one last song before ending the night.

"Our part of the mission is truly unique and rewarding," said Chief Musician Dereck Werner.

The Brass Band will be playing at several orphanages in Timor-Leste during USNS Mercy's (T-AH 19) visit. Band members will also be giving lessons to school children on how to care for their instruments along with showing them different ways to play melodies.

Pacific Partnership 2010 is the fifth in a series of annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance endeavors aimed at strengthening regional partnerships.