Max Impact to provide high energy concerts Published May 29, 2009 By Mary Lou Gorny Hilltop Times editor HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- 222 Master Sgt. Regina Coonrod, one of the vocalists for the group, says the entertainment mission of the group fits nicely with the theme of Air Force Week -- "Celebrating America's Airmen, Keeping the Promise." "Because Max Impact is a contemporary pop/rock band, we have the ability to appeal to younger audience members and hopefully instill patriotism and excite them about the Air Force or any other service," she says. "We are ambassadors for the Air Force. During Air Force Week we have the opportunity to go out into the communities to thank them for their support for the military and their local base. What better way to say thank you than through the universal language of music?" said the sergeant. The first opportunity to hear Max Impact -- Our Nation's Defenders Showcase at Pioneer Park -- will give the Air Force elete ensemble the chance to show its stuff, Monday, June 1, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The next day, the group will put on a repeat performance at the same time and place. The public can also enjoy a free afternoon concert in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, when the group will perform a lengthier selection at Salt Lake Library Square from 1:30 p.m. to 3:25 p.m., which includes an intermission period. Thursday will find the group on stage at 6:30 p.m. at Eagle Mountain, in Utah County, and the elite band will perform at a Davis County site on Friday at Bountiful Park, at 7 p.m. Although a few of the members of Max Impact did come to the state in 2003, this will be the first time the musicians have performed together in Utah. The eight-member ensemble, with accompanying audio engineer, all had to go through a rigorous auditioning process before joining the band, whether they were civilian or military. "Being a part of the Air Force Band has given members the opportunity to play music for a living and serving their country as they do it," Coonrod said. The band performs under the direction of Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge Master Sgt. Dennis Hoffman, who performs on the drums. The other members include: vocalist Master Sgt. Shani Prewitt, vocalist Master Sgt. Ryan Carson, guitarist Master Sgt. Matthew Ascione, guitarist Tech Sgt. Matthew Geist, keyboardist Tech. Sgt. Jonathan McPherson, bass guitarist Tech. Sgt. David Foster and audio engineer Tech. Sgt. Chad Randolph. The ensemble does perform original numbers from time to time as it tours entertaining the newest generation of Airmen as part of its mission objectives. Its goals include projecting the very best in professionalism and talent and serving up high energy entertainment and innovative music. Max Impact has performed all across the U.S. and provided entertainment for deployed troops overseas. Among various exotic locales, Kyrghystan and Djihouti, Africa, may seem a little far afield, but as Coonrod says, "We are dedicated to the mission and part of it is troop morale." Iraq, Afghanistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are other concert sites the group has performed at and visited. For the concerts in Utah, audience members can expect current and modern entertainment. "Some of the artists we will cover in Salt Lake City include current contemporary artists such as Gwen Stefani, Pink, The Fray, Finger Eleven, Matisyahu, Erikah Badu, Carrie Underwood and Alicia Keyes," Coonrod reports. She also points out that covers from such classical artists as Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, Guns 'N Roses, Heart, Blondie and Journey are likely to be represented in their musical stylings as well. The celebration of all things Air Force includes recruiting efforts as part of putting the service's best foot forward, but Coonrod doesn't focus on just that. She says, "Our mission is to deliver world-class musical products that inspire emotions, create positive impressions and communicate information according to the Air Force objectives for the defense of the United States of America." For more information on the Max Impact group or for more information on how to audition go to the Web site at www.usafband.af.mil.