US Coast Guard Dixieland Jazz Band Memorial Day Commemoration

Date: April 29, 2013
Contact: Joanne Gangi-Wellman, [phone]

SPRINGFIELD, MA:  The U.S. Coast Guard Dixieland Jazz Band will perform a free public concert on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. outside behind the Museum Building. In case of rain the concert will move to the Springfield Technical Community College Auditorium. Admission is free of charge.

"Having a military band play at Springfield Armory NHS is a perfect way to honor those who gave their lives in the service of their country. Armory workers proudly manufactured firearms for the military for 174 years," stated Chief of Interpretation, Joanne M. Gangi-Wellman at Springfield Armory NHS.

The United States Coast Guard Dixieland Jazz Band was organized in 1970 to perform classic jazz, blues, and rags with a "New Orleans" flavor. The Dixieland Jazz Band has entertained audiences across America, in the former Soviet Union, and in England. Notable venues include the open-air theater in Disney World, the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, at the "Galaxy Jazz Festival" in Milwaukee, the Embarcadero in San Francisco, the John F. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage in Washington, D.C., and at Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The group has also performed on numerous radio and television broadcasts across the nation.

Memorial Day has been a day of remembrance for those who have died serving our country since the Civil War. Military concerts present a wonderful way to honor soldiers past and present and Springfield Armory NHS is proud to host this talented Coast Guard Dixieland Jazz Band.

Springfield Armory National Historic Site commemorates and preserves the site of the nation's first armory, established in 1794. As a unit of the National Park Service, the Visitor Center, Museum, buildings and grounds are open daily, 9am-5pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Admission is free. For information call 413-734-8551 or check the website at www.nps.gov/spar.

-NPS-