Not really a music event, but rather an event that included music.

The concert band I play with had the honor of participating in the Willamette National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony this past Monday.

I had to park a couple hundred yards out. I don't enjoy schlepping my rig that far, but I just need one trip and the weight is manageable (Markbass CMD-102p in one hand, Stick hard shell case in the other, small bag over a shoulder). No effects on this occasion- through a Korg Pitch Black tuner and straight into the amp. The sound technician I approached for power noted the case, and we chatted for a few moments about the Stick. Said he'd seen a Stick Bass at school.

There were ~35 of us situated under a 50' x 20' canopy. A bit on the tight side, but manageable. I was along the back with the percussion section and the tuba player. There were a few microphones placed along the top of the canopy opening, running to a sound board and then out to a PA. Temperature was in the low 50s (needed a couple of minor tuning tweaks as the morning progressed).

I'd guess there were ~2000 people on hand. We played 6 songs: two orchestral, and four traditional marches (they like marches for this event). We played three during the prelude, then during the ceremony we played an expanded version of the Armed Forces Salute to honor those present who had served in the various branches of the military. After the close we played two songs as a postlude.

I can't say how we sounded through the PA out in the amphitheater, but we must have done all right, because the people in charge have asked us to come back next year. We're told they've never done that before.

I'll add a few non-music-related notes. The event was powerful, as a Memorial Day Ceremony should be. Small US flags were planted by each of the 140,000+ headstones on the site, and it was humbling as I drove through the grounds to the amphitheater. Remarks by the dignitaries were thought provoking yet fairly short. A 21-gun salute was given by large field artillery pieces (yes, they're quite loud!). While I couldn't see it from my position at the back of the canopy, I could certainly hear the Oregon Air National Guard F-15s as they flew over a couple of times. The Bagpipe Band that played sounded good, and added to the reverence of the day.

Thanks for reading.

Well done. Thanks for the report. I love seeing Sticks being used in so many different contexts.
And congrats on being asked back! That's a great thing for any group!

Great to see Victor! Sounded like the music meant a lot to all those in attendance. That has got to be a first, good job.

Thanks for this thread.