U.S. Navy Concert Band to Perform Free Show in Springfield on March 1

SPRINGFIELD — The U.S. Navy Concert Band is bringing its Northeast Tour to Springfield Symphony Hall on Sunday, March 1 at 2 p.m.

The free concert, presented by Spirit of Springfield and sponsored by Yellowstone Landscape, is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. with a family-friendly concert. It features a broad selection of musical works, from American classics to contemporary pieces. Selections include works from John Philip Sousa’s “Washington Post March,” The Wizard of Oz’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” Aaron Copland’s “Buckaroo Holiday,” John Williams’s “Liberty Fanfare,” “America the Beautiful,” “Armed Forces on Parade,” and much more.

“Touring the nation and performing concerts means connecting with communities and telling the great stories of our sailors working around the globe to keep us safe and free,” said Capt. Robert “Seph” Coats, commanding officer of the U.S. Navy Band.

The U.S. Navy Band consists of 50 musicians and vocalists, plus a production team. Almost all of the sailors in the band have undergraduate degrees in music, and most have graduate degrees. Their last Springfield concert was in 2016.

“It is an honor to host the U.S. Navy’s premier band in Springfield Symphony Hall,” Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt said. “The performers love the acoustics, historic architecture, and the enthusiastic audience.”

Tickets are available at Pride Stores, the Springfield Visitor Center at 1319 Main St., and the security desk at One Financial Plaza at 1350 Main St. in Springfield. They can also be obtained by mailing a self-addressed stamped envelope to Spirit of Springfield at 1350 Main St., Suite 1004, Springfield, MA 01103. Those without tickets can still attend; they will be seated 10 minutes before the start of the performance.

Free parking for the concert will be available in the I-91 South Garage courtesy of the Springfield Parking Authority.