The Jazz Ambassadors of the U.S. Army Field Band from Washington D.C. will be performing a free concert at Karnes City High School on Saturday, Mar. 17 at 7 p.m. Admission is free, however tickets should be obtained through the Karnes City Band to ensure seating availability.

The Jazz Ambassadors is the United States Army's premier touring big band. This 19-member ensemble, formed in 1969, has received great acclaim both at home and abroad performing America's original art form, jazz.

Concerts by the Jazz Ambassadors are designed to entertain all types of audiences. Custom compositions and arrangements highlight the group's creative talent and gifted soloists. Their diverse repertoire includes big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland, and patriotic selections.

The band has appeared in all fifty states, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, and throughout Europe. Notable performances include concerts at international jazz festivals in Montreux, Switzerland; Newport, Rhode Island; Toronto, Canada; Brussels, Belgium; and the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands.

In 1995, the Jazz Ambassadors performed in England, Wales, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Czech Republic in commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the end of World War II. The band has also been featured in unique collaborations with major orchestras, including the Detroit and Baltimore symphonies.

During a joint performance with the National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Marvin Hamlisch declared, “I can’t think of better ambassadors for our country.”

The United States Congress has proclaimed jazz “a national treasure.” Wherever they travel, the Jazz Ambassadors proudly carry the message of patriotism and goodwill to audiences worldwide.

You can also access further information through their website www.armyfieldband.com. The contact for tickets or other information is as follows: George DeRocher, Karnes City Band Director at 780-2321 extension 327.