Killer Hintz rocks Freedom Crossing

Spc. John Johnson on the microphone, Spc. Felix Guiffra on the drums and Spc Andrew Hintz on the bass guitar perform April 13 as Killer Hintz at Freedom Crossing. They entertain Soldiers and the Fort Bliss community through their love for music. Photo by Sgt. Mark A. Kauffman, 24th Press Camp Headquarters.

Sgt. Mark A. Kauffman,
24th Press Camp Headquarters:

Killer Hintz performed a two-hour rock concert April 13 to entertain the Soldiers and the Fort Bliss community at Freedom Crossing.

Spcs. John Johnson, Felix Guiffra and Andrew Hintz are professional musicians who are members of the 1st Armored Division Army Band here. They created Killer Hintz nearly two years ago because of their love for music and a chance to give back to the Fort Bliss community.

“I love putting on concerts here at Freedom Crossing because we are playing for the Soldiers and their families,” said Johnson, the lead singer and electric guitar player. “We also do a lot of outreach programs for high schools and colleges.”

The crowd at the “Fireplace,” located between The Grand Theatre and Shamrock Irish Pub, continued to grow as Killer Hintz played rock, funk and jazz music throughout the night. To keep everyone interested, they sang songs from different eras as well as different genres.

Retired Sgt. 1st Class James Edmonds was headed toward his car after doing some shopping at the Exchange when he heard the music and took his family to see what was going on. Edmonds and his family liked the music so much they shoved two tables together so they could get a bite to eat while listening to the band.

“They are truly amazing and professional,” said Edmonds. “They are pretty good at what they do.”

Edmonds sat throughout the concert with a smile on his face as he watched his wife, his children and his grandchildren enjoy and dance to the music that Killer Hintz was playing.

As much as the members of Killer Hintz love performing and bringing smiles to people’s faces, there is also a business side to every band. Like the “Knights of the Round Table,” the three-member band all have equal say in the direction of the band and where they will perform.

“I am usually the person to set up the gigs, but everyone has an equal say on accepting the invitation.” said Guiffra, the drummer.

Killer Hintz performs mainly around El Paso and surrounding areas, but their growing popularity now has them performing all over the Southwestern states. They put on a concert in Dallas last month and will have a performance in New Mexico later this month.

“I am very lucky to be able to play and make music for a living in the Army,” said Johnson. “The Army is all about giving back to the community.”