Irvine Barclay Theatre Hosts USAF Band of the Golden West
The esteemed USAF (United States Air Force) Band of the Golden West returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre on Monday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. as a part of its West Coast tour to build community and celebrate our country. This year’s performance will honor the late General William Lyon, as 2023 would have been the Southern California native’s 100th birthday.
The concert will begin with a salute to our local veterans, inviting all in attendance to stand and be acknowledged. The renowned band will feature 60 of its Airmen-musicians performing patriotic favorites, and a video about General Lyon, created by the Lyon Air Museum, will be shown. Willa Dean and Bill H. Lyon, General William Lyon’s wife and son, will be special guests at the concert.
“The philanthropic impact of General Lyon and his family is evident throughout Orange County, including Irvine Barclay Theatre, as General Lyon and his wife Willa Dean were avid supporters and founding donors of the Barclay,” said Jerry Mandel, President of Irvine Barclay Theatre. “We are thrilled to honor General Lyon, his life, legacy, and his contributions to the community with this event.”
The General, as he was known because of his early career as a major general and chief of the Air Force Reserves, became a successful homebuilder, generous philanthropist, and renowned community leader in Orange County. He served on numerous charitable boards and was a USC Life Trustee.
In addition to being a devoted supporter of the arts, Lyon led a fundraising campaign for Orangewood Children’s Foundation that raised $8 million for a new emergency shelter for abused and neglected children. His love of aviation also led to him opening the Lyon Air Museum, which is home to rare airplanes and military vehicles as well as vintage and classic cars.
“My mother and I are so proud that the Barclay and the USAF Band of the Golden West have chosen to honor my father and other veteran members of our community with this special performance,” said Bill H. Lyon. “My father supported many causes that benefitted the County during his lifetime, and it is so heartwarming to see his legacy endure while supporting veterans and the arts.”
The USAF Band of the Golden West performance will be sponsored by Commercial Bank of California, and presented in partnership with Lyon Air Museum. Further enhancing the patriotic experience, the Lyon Air Museum will provide aerospace and military artifacts and related memorabilia that will be displayed in the Barclay Plaza and lobby the day of the concert.
The event will have complimentary general admission tickets – first come first served – and are available now.
