The US Army Field Band’s “Jazz Ambassadors” unit deploys to the stage of the Count Basie Theatre for a free concert next Wednesday.
In its assembled glory, it’s a formidable force — and its many crack commando units and surgical-strike teams allow it to perform missions that range from a Dixieland septet and harp-flute duo to a Son Tropical big band.
When the uniformed members of the Jazz Ambassadors of the US Army Field Band take the Basie stage next Wednesday, they’ll be carrying on a tradition that’s seen various iterations of the USAFB treat the Red Bank audience to a free display by the most formidable musical force in the free world.
Scheduled for 7:30 p.m., the concert finds the 19-piece ensemble delivering a selection of American music — including big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, songbook standards, pop, Dixieland, and patriotic selections — many of which are written or arranged by members of the group first formed in 1969.
It’s part of a rigorous touring schedule for “America’s Big Band,” and an offering that “fosters the support of the American people for members of the armed forces and supports diplomatic efforts around the world.”
And, as a thank-you for that support, the orchestra will be performing absolutely free of charge, with (required) free-admission tickets available in person at the box office or online here.
