STEUBENVILLE - The Louis and Sandra Berkman Amphitheater will welcome the internationally acclaimed U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, D.C., at 2 p.m. today.
The free concert is being presented by the Herald-Star, The Weirton Daily Times and Old Fort Steuben.
As the premier touring big band for the United States Army, the Jazz Ambassadors ensemble 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.
"This group is not only musicians, they are entertainers," said Judy Bratten, executive director of Historic Fort Steuben. "The performance lasts 90 minutes and they perform everything from patriotic music to big bands to traditional jazz sounds. They feature soloists and they respond very well to the audience. They were here in 2007 and I can remember them being very good at getting the audience involved."
Cindy Kotsch, marketing manager for the newspapers, said the concert serves as a great family gathering on Father's Day.
"We are proud and happy to be sponsoring this year's U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors," she said. "This is a wonderful community event. We hope to see a large turnout like in years past to support our military's musical accomplishments."
Additional support for the performance is being provided by Froehlich's Classic Corner; University Inn/Damon's; the Steubenville Convention and Visitor's Bureau; Frank and Jerry's Furniture & Appliances; attorney Bryan Felmet; Jefferson County Commissioner Thomas Graham; and the Center of Music and Art.
There is no admission charge for concert-goers, organizers said.
According to the group's press release, members of the Jazz Ambassadors are selected through 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."
"The folks in Steubenville are so faithful to the military and they really appreciate it whenever military bands come to town," Bratten noted. "We are hoping to see a great number of community members in attendance for this extraordinary performance."
(Looman can be contacted at jlooman@heraldstaronline.com.)
