To the editor:

Regarding Friday night’s JB Blast: It had all the makings of an inspirational, uplifting evening — perfect weather, good food, great parking, 100,000 people, families romping, chasing bubbles and eating together — so many dressed up in red, white and blue — the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem wonderfully led by County Executive Steve Stenger.

Then the “music” began.

After 45 minutes, it became apparent that this was a rock concert instead of a patriotic performance. I joined many other seniors and left, not wanting to be subjected to loud, unfamiliar music for another hour. The poor seniors who were bused in were stuck. Spoiled by the spectacular military bands in Washington, D.C., I was so disappointed and felt misled by the event promotion.

I’m sure the evening was enjoyed by many young families familiar with all the hip hop songs performed.

The request of this letter is for future JB Blast organizers to not tout it as a U.S. Military Band performance, as that creates exciting expectations of a proud patriotic music program that simply were not met Friday night.

Jan Burmeister

Sunset Hills