by Christina Butcher for OLY ARTS
Some bands are as diverse in their musical abilities as their members are. The Brass Patriots, a 16-member, military-music ensemble led by Chief Warrant Officer Scott Pierson, is absolutely one of those bands. The ensemble plays a wide variety of music, including formal and ceremonial music, street brass-band music, instrumental renditions of pop songs, groove music and hymns. The Patriots consider themselves “musical ambassadors” who perform at civic events, military functions, public schools, sporting events and universities during annual summer tours. The ensemble is part of the larger 133rd Army Band out of Camp Murray, Washington, formed in 1924 under the Washington Army National Guard. It was the only all-African-American Army National Guard Band in the U.S. until the Armed Forces were desegregated in 1948.
What: The Brass Patriots
When: noon Wednesday, June 28
Where: Huntamer Park,
629 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey
How much: free
Learn more: 360-491-0857 | Lacey in Tune