The next City of Fairfax Band concert, “Legends of the Air,” is sure to be a special treat.

The City of Fairfax Band is excited and honored to have Ret. Colonel Arnald Gabriel back with the baton for this performance as a guest conductor. Not only will you have the opportunity to see Colonel Gabriel on the podium, but he will also be signing copies of his biography, The Force of Destiny: The Life and Times of Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel.

Penned by his son, Michael Gabriel, it tells the story of a man who’s musical aspirations were interrupted by a World War. Col. Gabriel’s journey is best summarized below:

Arnald’s fateful and circuitous path in the army led him to his participation as a machine gunner with the 29th Infantry during the June 6, 1944 D-Day invasion on Omaha Beach. Front line combat, the horrors of war and his being held over as part of the Army of the Occupation nearly derailed a career where he would ultimately rise to the pinnacle of his profession as the Commander and Conductor of the United States Air Force band in Washington, D.C.

As the last performance before the band heads to France to perform for the D-Day celebrations at Normandy, this is one that should not be missed! Get your tickets today to see Colonel Gabriel lead the City of Fairfax band in a variety of pieces honoring “Legends of the Air.”