Longwood to present Army Jazz Emsemble
Published 9:15 am Tuesday, September 12, 2017
- Pictured are, from left, first row, CW2 Jackel Smalls, SFC Antonio Orta, SFC Bill Linney, MSC Joseph Henson, SFG Xavier Perez, SGM David Brown; second row, Ssg Michale Kramer, MSG Steve Fidyk, SFC Victor Barranco, SGM Matthew Niess, SFC Harry Waters, MSG Jeffrey Cortazzo; back row, SFC Regan Brough, SGM Craig Fraedrich, MSG Mark Wood, MSG Kenneth McGee, MSG Graham Breedlove and SGM Kenneth Rittenhouse.
The Longwood University Department of Music will host a concert by the United States Army Blues, an 18-piece jazz orchestra based in Washington, D.C., Sept. 18. The program is free and open to the public. It will take place in Jarman Auditorium at 7:30 p.m., with doors open at 7 p.m.
According to a press release, The U.S. Army Blues, part of the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” has been the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Army since its formation in 1972.
“A full jazz orchestra comprised of exceptional musicians from across the nation, the Army Blues have performed at such prestigious venues as the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Montreux Jazz Festival, Birdland in New York City, and Blues Alley in Washington, D.C.”
The ensemble’s programs feature a wide sampling of the best jazz can offer, from the traditional dance hits of the big band era to the energized multi-ethnic rhythms of today.
“The Longwood University jazz ensemble will perform an opener for the program. The Army Blues will follow with a full set, including a musical recognition for veterans of the U.S. military services,” according to the release.
“There is no finer jazz orchestra anywhere than the Army Blues. We’re very excited to have them visit Longwood and hope that many people from the Heart of Virginia can attend. They offer something fun for everyone,” said Dr. Charles Kinzer, director of the LU Jazz Ensemble.
For more information, call the Longwood University Department of Music at (434) 395-2495 or (434) 395-2504.
