Jazz Ambassadors to perform at NWC

The internationally acclaimed U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, D.C., will continue its long history of presenting free public performances when it appears at Northwestern College’s Christ Chapel on Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m.

The Jazz Ambassadors’ concert is sponsored by Northwestern College and the Orange City Arts Council. Free tickets may be obtained at Northwestern College’s DeWitt Music Hall, Orange City’s Town Hall and the Dove Bookstore in Orange City. To receive tickets by mail, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your request to Nora Verburg, Northwestern College Music Department, 101 7th St. SW, Orange City, IA 51041.

As the premier touring big band for the Army, the Jazz Ambassadors travels thousands of miles each year throughout the nation and abroad. Since its formation in 1969, the ensemble has appeared in all 50 states and throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Members of the Jazz Ambassadors are selected by highly competitive audition and represent some of the finest musical talent in America.

The Jazz Ambassadors presents a diverse program of big band swing, Latin music, contemporary jazz, popular tunes, standards, Dixieland and patriotic selections. Conductor 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 wrote that “the musicianship was superb … The Jazz Ambassadors are polished and seamless virtuosos.”