Jazz Ambassadors perform at SU February 24

SALISBURY, MD ----The Jazz Ambassadors of the U.S. Army Field Band from Washington, D.C., returns to Salisbury University for one of its most popular events on Monday, February 24, at 7 p.m. at Holloway Hall Auditorium.

Organized in 1969, this versatile 19-piece ensemble travels more than 100 days annually presenting a musical package that appeals to all ages. Originally called the Studio Band and later the Soldiers of Sound, the Jazz Ambassadors carry the sounds of pop and patriotic music, melodic big band tunes and modern jazz to every part of the world.

The members of the Jazz Ambassadors are chosen through a highly competitive audition system. Some transferred from other units in the Army, while others enlisted specifically to perform with the group. Jazz Ambassadors' alumni have performed with the big bands of Stan Kenton, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, Mel Lewis, Doc Severinsen and many others.

A few of the Jazz Ambassadors' prestigious performances have included a 30-day, six-city tour of India and 32-day European tour during which the band performed in four internationally renowned jazz festivals: the Nice and Vienne Jazz festivals in France; the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague, Holland; and the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. At the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Jazz Ambassadors had the distinction of being the first military jazz band to perform on the main stage.

Other appearances include: conventions of the International Association of Jazz Educators; the Toronto Jazz Festival; the Wichita Jazz Festival; the Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island; the World's Fair in Vancouver, British Columbia; the International Freedom Festival in Detroit and Windsor, Ontario; and the grand opening of the Japan branch of the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society in Tokyo.

The evening is sponsored by WSCL public radio and the SU Office of Cultural Affairs and Museum Programs. Two free tickets per person are available beginning Monday, February 10, at the Guerrieri University Center Information Desk from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and noon-10 p.m. on Sundays.

Ticket holders must be seated by 6:45 p.m. on the night of the performance after which time all available seating is open to non-ticket holders. For more information call 410-543-6271.