U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors Perform Free Concert

By:

U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors Perform Free Concert

U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors
U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors

The U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors are making a stop at the McAllen Performing Arts Center on Feb. 16 for a free concert. The Army’s official touring big band has received widespread acclaim at home and abroad, earning the Jazz Ambassadors the title “America’s Big Band.”

The 7 p.m. concert is open to the public.

The Jazz Ambassadors is the United States Army’s premier big band, forming in 1969. Performances by the 19-member ensemble offer some of the most versatile programming of any big band. Concerts include classic big band standards, instrumental and vocal solo features, patriotic favorites and contemporary jazz works. Performances also include original arrangements and compositions by past and present members of the Jazz Ambassadors. Many of these original works are available for free download through Perspectives, a jazz education initiative by the Jazz Ambassadors.

National and International Acclaim

The Jazz Ambassadors have performed in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India and Europe. Their performances also include joint concerts with the Boston Pops, National Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Seattle Symphony, and at Carnegie Hall with Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops. Appearances at international jazz festivals in Montreux, Newport, Toronto, Brussels and the Netherlands have been met with enthusiastic acclaim, as well as concerts in England, Wales, Luxembourg, Germany, the Czech Republic and Norway. 

The Army’s official touring big band has appeared in a variety of high-profile contexts. These include performances with the Columbus (OH) Symphony Orchestra, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the Syracuse Symphony. During a joint performance with the National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Marvin Hamlisch declared, “I can’t think of better ambassadors for our country.”

For tickets and information, call 956-681-3800 or purchase tickets online.

Comments