Provided by Marine Corps Heritage Foundation
The eighth annual Summer Concert Series, hosted by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, will conclude Wednesday, August 30 at 7:00 p. m. at the National Museum of the Marine Corps with a performance by the popular U.S. Army Band Downrange. The ensemble entertains both military and civilian audiences of all ages with a continuously updated selection of rock, pop, country and R&B music, along with traditional patriotic classics.
The 15-year-old ensemble began when Sergeant Major of the Army Jack L. Tilley asked the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” for volunteers to join him and a group of USO performers as they traveled with his “Hope and Freedom Tour” to entertain troops throughout Southwest Asia. The name “Downrange” pays homage to the group of volunteers who were the first members of “Pershing’s Own” to go “downrange” into a theater of foreign combat since World War II and inspired the look and sound that are the U.S. Army Band Downrange today.
During their performances in Southwest Asia, the group realized the importance of bringing popular music to the men and women who were sacrificing for their country. Throughout its 15-year history, Downrange has embraced its mission as an asset to the U.S. Army Band, reinforcing morale and team building service members around the world. Downrange is always ready to entertain service members and other audiences at home and around the world.
The concert will be held outdoors on the entry plaza to the Museum (18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle). Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. Concessions will be available and the Museum gift store and Tun Tavern will remain open until 7:00 p. m. Admission and parking are free. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved inside to the Museum’s Leatherneck Gallery.
For more information on the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s Summer Concert Series and other summer programming at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, visit marineheritage.org and usmcmuseum.com.
For more information Downrange, including a sampling of their music, listen to their Spotify playlist and visit usarmyband.com/downrange/the-us-army-band-downrange.html.
