USAFE Band returns to Türkiye, strengthens ties during Orange Blossom Carnival

Published April 9, 2025
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

ADANA, Türkiye --

For the first time in nearly three years, the United States Air Forces in Europe Band returned to Türkiye, performing across Adana April 3–7, 2025, in support of the city’s annual Orange Blossom Carnival.

The ensemble, Touch N’ Go, a high-energy pop and rock band, performed at multiple events throughout the week, using music to connect with local communities and highlight the strong relationship between the United States and its NATO Ally.

Their visit began with a series of performances surrounding the vibrant Orange Blossom Carnival, including a headlining appearance at a U.S. State Department-led VIP Reception—an event attended by international dignitaries, local government officials, and community leaders.

“The USAFE Band serves as a cultural ambassador, building bridges between the United States and our Allies,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicholas Del Villano, USAFE Band trumpet player and publicity coordinator. “Being here in Adana during such an iconic celebration was an incredible opportunity to engage with the Turkish people who are at the heart of our partnership. Through music, we build personal connections that strengthen national and regional ties.”

The following day, Touch N’ Go entertained attendees at the Orange Flavors Show, adding American rhythm to the carnival’s showcase of local culture and cuisine. However, it was their April 5 performance at the Turkish American Association organized by the U.S. Consulate in Adana that left the strongest impression.

More than 500 students studying English and American culture gathered to hear the band perform, engage in Q&A sessions, and meet the musicians. The event became a highlight of the tour, offering the most direct engagement with young people eager to learn about American music and culture.

“This was easily the most impactful stop on our tour,” said Del Villano. “You could see the energy and excitement in the students’ eyes. Our participation in the Orange Blossom Carnival and other cultural events highlights the power of cultural diplomacy in continuing our bilateral alliance.”

The band wrapped up their visit with a final performance at the EducationUSA Center during a U.S. alumni reception also organized by the U.S. Consulate. The event brought together Turkish graduates of American universities and exchange programs promoting both countries’ mutual prosperity, offering a chance to build on the long-standing educational and economic ties between the United States and Türkiye.

“Music transcends language and cultural barriers, fostering mutual respect and understanding between nations,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lancer Hardy, USAFE Band bassist. “Whether we’re performing at a carnival, a school, or an alumni event, each moment is a chance to connect.”

The USAFE Band’s visit reflects ongoing efforts by the United States and Türkiye to strengthen their bilateral relationship and to foster mutual understanding through cultural diplomacy.

USAFE Band returns to Türkiye, strengthens ties during Orange Blossom Carnival

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tomas Antonic, guitarist with the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Band’s “Touch N’ Go” ensemble, performs during a VIP reception in Adana, Türkiye, April 4, 2025. The event was part of a weeklong tour supporting the city’s annual Orange Blossom Carnaval, aimed at strengthening U.S.-Türkiye ties through cultural diplomacy. Hosted by the U.S. State Department, the reception welcomed international diplomats, local officials, and community leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Siuta Ika)

USAFE Band returns to Türkiye, strengthens ties during Orange Blossom Carnival

U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Band members from the “Touch N’ Go” ensemble perform during a VIP reception in Adana, Türkiye, April 4, 2025. The performance was part of a weeklong tour supporting the city’s annual Orange Blossom Carnaval and aimed at strengthening ties between the United States and its NATO Ally through cultural engagement. The reception, hosted by the U.S. State Department, brought together international diplomats, local officials, and community leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Siuta Ika)

USAFE Band returns to Türkiye, strengthens ties during Orange Blossom Carnival

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Natalie Angst, vocalist with the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Band’s “Touch N’ Go” ensemble, performs during a VIP reception in Adana, Türkiye, April 4, 2025. The event was part of a weeklong tour supporting the city’s annual Orange Blossom Carnaval, using music to strengthen ties between the United States and its NATO Ally. Hosted by the U.S. State Department, the reception brought together international diplomats, local officials, and community leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Siuta Ika)

USAFE Band returns to Türkiye, strengthens ties during Orange Blossom Carnival

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicholas Del Villano, trumpeter with the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Band’s “Touch N’ Go” ensemble, performs at the Turkish American Association in Adana, Türkiye, April 6, 2025. The event brought together more than 300 students studying English and American culture, creating opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange and connection. The performance was part of a broader tour supporting the city’s annual Orange Blossom Carnaval. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Siuta Ika)

USAFE Band returns to Türkiye, strengthens ties during Orange Blossom Carnival

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel Dyar, drummer with the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Band’s “Touch N’ Go” ensemble, performs during a VIP reception in Adana, Türkiye, April 4, 2025. The event, hosted by the U.S. State Department, brought together international diplomats, local officials, and community leaders to celebrate the opening of the Orange Blossom Carnaval. The performance kicked off a weeklong tour aimed at strengthening ties between the United States and its NATO Ally through cultural engagement. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Siuta Ika)

USAFE Band returns to Türkiye, strengthens ties during Orange Blossom Carnival

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Luis Muñiz, pianist with the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Band’s “Touch N’ Go” ensemble, performs during the Orange Flavors Show in Adana, Türkiye, April 5, 2025. The performance was part of a weeklong tour in support of the city’s annual Orange Blossom Carnaval, fostering cultural connections between the United States and its NATO Ally. The high-energy show blended American pop and rock with local flavor, drawing an enthusiastic crowd from across the community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Siuta Ika)

USAFE Band returns to Türkiye, strengthens ties during Orange Blossom Carnival

Members of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Band’s “Touch N’ Go” ensemble perform at the Turkish American Association in Adana, Türkiye, April 6, 2025. The event brought together more than 300 students studying English and American culture, creating opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange and connection. The performance was part of a broader tour supporting the city’s annual Orange Blossom Carnaval. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Siuta Ika)

USAFE Band returns to Türkiye, strengthens ties during Orange Blossom Carnival

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sarah Cosano, saxophonist with the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Band’s “Touch N’ Go” ensemble, performs at the EducationUSA Center in Adana, Türkiye, April 7, 2025. The event brought together Turkish alumni of U.S. universities and exchange programs, celebrating the strong educational and cultural ties between the United States and Türkiye. The performance concluded the band’s weeklong tour in support of the city’s annual Orange Blossom Carnaval. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Hoskins)

USAFE Band returns to Türkiye, strengthens ties during Orange Blossom Carnival

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lancer Hardy, bassist with the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Band’s “Touch N’ Go” ensemble, signs autographs for students after a performance at the Turkish American Association in Adana, Türkiye, April 6, 2025. The event welcomed more than 300 students studying English and American culture, offering a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and personal connection. The performance was part of a weeklong tour supporting the city’s annual Orange Blossom Carnaval. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Siuta Ika)

USAFE Band returns to Türkiye, strengthens ties during Orange Blossom Carnival

Students and staff dance as the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Band’s “Touch N’ Go” ensemble performs at the Turkish American Association in Adana, Türkiye, April 6, 2025. The lively event brought together more than 300 students studying English and American culture, creating a vibrant atmosphere of cultural exchange through music. The performance was part of a weeklong tour supporting the city’s annual Orange Blossom Carnaval. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Siuta Ika)

USAFE Band returns to Türkiye, strengthens ties during Orange Blossom Carnival

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sarah Cosano, saxophonist with the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Band’s “Touch N’ Go” ensemble, signs autographs and chats with students after a performance at the Turkish American Association in Adana, Türkiye, April 6, 2025. The post-show interaction was part of a broader effort to foster cultural exchange and connect with students studying English and American culture. The performance was one of several during a weeklong tour supporting the city’s annual Orange Blossom Carnaval. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Siuta Ika)