by Jennifer Crain for OLY ARTS
On August 19, Music in the Park comes to a lively conclusion with The Commanders, the 18-member jazz ensemble of the Air Force Band of the Golden West. The band, stationed at Travis Air Force Base in the San Francisco Bay area, is the only active-duty Air Force band west of the Rocky Mountains. The ensemble, according to percussionist Senior Airman Joseph Ganzelli, “carries on the American musical tradition of the great big bands, yet offers a lot beyond the big-band sound.” Led by musical director Senior Airman David Julian on lead trombone, the group delivers family-friendly, high-energy performances full of top-notch solo improvisations. Crowds will especially enjoy the showstopping vocals of Senior Airman Stephanie Allen. The group plays bop, cool, swing and traditional tunes as well as Broadway hits and patriotic selections. Its repertoire includes music by the greats: Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Glenn Miller and many others. Come out for an end-of-summer spectacular.
What: The Commanders
Where: Port Plaza Park,
701 Columbia St. NW, Olympia
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
How much: free
Learn more: 360-357-8948 | Band of the Golden West