An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | April 11, 2012

Missouri Air Guard band 'Sidewinder' performs at White House

By Bill Phelan Missouri National Guard

WASHINGTON - Sidewinder, the rock band element of the St. Louis, Mo.-based 571st Missouri Air National Guard Band made famous by a YouTube video, performed at the White House today in front of the Obamas, National Guard senior leaders and other attendees.

The 10-member ensemble was invited to perform for First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of Vice President Joseph Biden, marking the one-year anniversary of the Joining Forces Initiative, a military family support program spearheaded by both women.

"We are thrilled," said Air Force Maj. John Arata, Sidewinder band leader and commanding officer of the 571st. "This is a unique opportunity for us to represent the Air National Guard on a national stage and share what military bands do to support troop morale and build international relationships."

According to Arata, band members were told just last week that they would be making the trip to Washington after Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Biden saw videos of the band's performances.

"The First Lady's Joining Forces Initiative builds troop support in the American public particularly through the use of social and shared media," Arata said. "Our YouTube video is a perfect example of how modern, shared media can build troop support."

That video of Sidewinder performing "Rolling in the Deep," by Adele, while deployed to the Middle East last summer went viral and was viewed more than two million times. Its popularity led to the band appearing on the "Ellen" DeGeneres Show, "Entertainment Tonight," "Good Morning America," and "Fox and Friends." Band vocalist, Air Force Staff Sgt. Angie Johnson, also appeared on the hit NBC show "The Voice."

But all of that pales in comparison to playing at the White House.

"Performing at the White House is the opportunity of a lifetime, especially for a regional band," Arata said. "We're very motivated to present a high quality, professional product and we look forward to thanking the First Lady and Mrs. Biden for the opportunity to be a part of this significant event."

Sidewinder performed three songs at the White House, including "Rolling in the Deep," a popular song by professional vocalist Adele.

In addition to Arata and Johnson, Sidewinder band members include Air Force Staff Sgt. Sean Navarro; Staff Sgt. Ransom Miller; Staff Sgt. Devin LaRue; Staff Sgt. Brian Owens; Tech. Sgt. John Cavanaugh; Staff Sgt. Toby Callaway; Tech. Sgt. Kevin Maret; and Tech. Sgt. Joey Castilleja.

The 571st Air National Guard Band is a subordinate unit of the 131st Bomb Wing, headquartered at Whiteman Air Force Base.

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Air Force Capt. Isaac Tian, a cyber operations officer with the 262nd Cyber Operations Squadron, Washington Air National Guard, analyzes data for evidence of adversary indicators of compromise on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., April 6, 2025. Tian is among the first Air National Guard members to be selected under a newly established direct commission program for cyber professionals.
Washington Airman Selected for Direct Commission in Cyber
By Airman 1st Class Jordaan Kvale, | May 30, 2025
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Washington – Capt. Isaac Tian, a cyber operations officer with the 262nd Cyber Operations Squadron, is among the first Air National Guard members selected under a newly established direct commission...

U.S. Air Force Chief Warrant Officer 2 Robert Peck, officer of information technology with 242nd Combat Communications Squadron, Washington Air National Guard, operates a small unmanned aircraft system during Exercise Phoenix Dawn 2025 at Saylor Creek Range near Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, May 6, 2025. The 194th Wing's inaugural class of Warrant Officers are paving the way by re-establishing the role in the Air Force and setting standards for future generations.
Washington Air Guard’s Warrant Officers Pave Way
By Airman 1st Class Jordaan Kvale, | May 29, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Washington – The 194th Wing’s warrant officers are not only breaking new ground — they’re laying the foundation for generations to come.For the first time in more than 65 years, the Air Force reintroduced warrant...

Airmen with the Washington Air National Guard and the Royal Thai Air Force work alongside their RTAF counterparts in small groups to finalize their respective training objectives at the Enduring Partners 2025 final planning conference in Spokane, Wash., May 20, 2025. The working groups focused on areas such as air operations, ground-controlled interception, Air Force Special Warfare, cyber, combat communication, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief medical logistics, intel, and space.
Royal Thai Air Force, Washington Guard Finalize Plans for Enduring Partners 2025
By Staff Sgt. Adeline Witherspoon, | May 29, 2025
SPOKANE, Wash. – Airmen with the Washington Air National Guard and the Royal Thai Air Force assembled in western Washington May 19-24 to finalize plans for Enduring Partners 2025, an exercise involving RTAF and the Washington...