Adam's Attic performs in Izmir

  • Published
  • By Tanju Varlikli
  • 425th Air Base Squadron Host Nation Advisor
IZMIR AIR BASE SQUADRON, Turkey --  Alternative pop and rock band Adam's Attic performed for service members and civilians at the Izmir Club April 21, 2014, Izmir Air Station, Türkiye.

The band, composed of singer and song writer Joe Henry, bass guitarist Derek Henry, guitarist Frank DeSalvo and drummer Scott Boaz, performed for the Izmir military community as part of an Armed Forces Entertainment tour for military installations overseas. The concert was part of a 13-day tour through Egypt, Jordan, Greece and Türkiye.

"During their two-day visit to Izmir, the band not only performed, but also did a little bit of sightseeing with service members and local nationals," said Jim Kutrubis, 425th Air Base Squadron services director. "The group was able to see some of Turkey's historic sites to include Ephesus and Şirince. They said it was something they would never forget and enjoyed the experience as well as the Turkish hospitality."

The band, originally from New Orleans, with several band members having strong military roots, captivated the audience at the Izmir Club; most notably with the acoustic version of the famous rap song "Big Poppa," the Grammy nominated and Billboard award winning single from the Notorious B.I.G.'s Ready to Die.

According to members of the audience, the band members read the crowd well and performed several familiar songs to bring a bit of the U.S. to Izmir.

"It was great that Armed Forces Entertainment could bring a touch of America to a dependent-restricted duty station. It meant a lot to the troops who attended," said Lt. Col. Gary Goosen, 425th ABS commander. "The band performed their melodic tunes for about an hour to a full house, interacted personally with the audience and gave all attendees a most enjoyable time."

Though the band members were magnets for autograph seekers, they were just as intrigued by the lifestyle of the service members and local nationals stationed in Izmir. Audience members expressed their appreciation to Adam's Attic Band and Armed Forces Entertainment for visiting Izmir and look forward to future tours and events.