Navy Band Rocks Times Square During Fleet Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dominique Watts, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk

May 29, 2010 - NEW YORK (NNS) -- Road Island Sound, a division of Navy Band Northeast, based out of Newport, R.I., performed a live rock concert in Times Square, May 28, during the celebration of Fleet Week New York 2010.

"This is my second time performing in Times Square during Fleet Week and each year has been amazing," said Musician 3rd Class Rebecca Gonzalez, vocalist for Road Island Sound.

As thousands of New Yorkers and vacationers descended upon Times Square for the event, they were met with a variety of pop and rock hits.

"The show was amazing," said Maria Cranston, who was visiting the city with her family. "I had no idea that Sailors performed concerts like this."

The variety of songs appealed to every demographic of the audience.

"Every part of the show was really great," said Tina Grohowski, who was helping her mother celebrate her birthday during Fleet Week. "They played a little bit of everything and that made it really good."

The impact of performing in New York was not lost on the band.

"To have the opportunity to play in New York is phenomenal," said Gonzalez. "This city, with all it has been through, has embraced our troops and been an inspiration to all of us."

Approximately 3,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are participating in the 23rd Fleet Week New York.

"The crowd was amazing," explained Musician 3rd Class Tommy Stanley, guitarist and vocalist for Road Island Sound. "They had so much energy. It was inspiring to play for such an amazing crowd."