June 8th, 2015 by WCBC Radio
The internationally acclaimed U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, D.C., will continue its long history of presenting free public performances when it comes to the Canal Place Festival Grounds on Wednesday, June 17 at 7 pm. The Jazz Ambassadors concert is sponsored by the Downtown Cumberland Business Association (DCBA) and the Let’s Beautify Cumberland Committee. The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #127 will start the evening with its color guard ceremony. Limited seating will be available and attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets.
“We’re thrilled to have the Jazz Ambassadors return to our city,” commented Ed Mullaney, Let’s Beautify Cumberland Committee co-chair and DCBA member. “It’s going to be quite a night.” In case of inclement weather, the show will be held at Windsor Castle Events Centre, 210 S. Centre Street.
As the premier touring big band for the United States Army, the Jazz Ambassadors travels thousands of miles each year throughout the nation and abroad, keeping the will of the American people behind the members of the armed forces and supporting diplomatic efforts around the world. Since its formation in 1969, the Jazz Ambassadors have appeared in all 50 states and throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
Concerts by the Jazz Ambassadors are designed to entertain all types of audiences. Many of the ensemble’s members arrange and compose music highlighting the group’s creative talent and gifted soloists. Their diverse repertoire includes big band swing, Latin music, contemporary jazz, bebop, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland, and patriotic selections. Wherever they travel, the Jazz Ambassadors proudly carry the message of patriotism and goodwill to audiences worldwide. Maestro Marvin Hamlisch, during a joint concert with the National Symphony Orchestra, exclaimed, “I can’t think of better ambassadors for our country!”
Past performance highlights include the Montreux, North Sea, and Newport Jazz Festivals, World War II 50th anniversary commemorations in the United States and Europe, and performances in India and Japan. After performing with the Cincinnati Pops at Carnegie Hall, the Cincinnati Enquirer declared that “the musicianship was superb…The Jazz Ambassadors are polished and seamless virtuosos.”
Members of the Jazz Ambassadors are selected by highly competitive audition and represent some of the finest musical talent in America. More than three decades of touring have earned them the title, “The Musical Ambassadors of the Army.”
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