One of the finest big bands in the world today, the Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, D.C., tours thousands of miles each year to promote patriotism and good will for the U.S. Army through free public concerts. They arrive in Maine this fall to perform with the Portland Symphony, and to perform a free community concert at the Opera House in Boothbay Harbor in celebration of Veterans Day on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.

The Army's official touring big band has appeared in a variety of high profile contexts, including performances with the Columbus (OH) Symphony Orchestra, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Syracuse Symphony. During a joint performance with the National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Marvin Hamlisch declared, "I can't think of better ambassadors for our country." 

The 20 piece Jazz Ambassadors have recently performed notable performances at the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont, the Jazz Education Network Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, the Kennedy Center Honors, and The Colbert Report. A highly competitive audition process draws candidates from leading conservatories, universities, and the professional ranks. Many members of the Jazz Ambassadors have extensive civilian performance experience. Alumni have gone on to careers in university teaching, studio recording, and performance. Their performances in Maine are under the direction of Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Wood. In the group’s first appearance at the Opera House in 2012 Master Sargent Marva Lewis brought the capacity house to their feet with her vocals. She is returning on this tour.

The ability to connect with their audience has attracted the attention of Gordon Goodwin, Bobby Shew, Ernie Watts, and the Dave Brubeck All-Star Quintet, just a few of the outstanding jazz artists who have shared the stage with America's Big Band.

The Jazz Ambassador’s diverse repertoire includes big band swing, Latin music, contemporary jazz, bebop, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland, and patriotic selections. Wherever they travel, the Jazz Ambassadors proudly carry the message of patriotism and goodwill to audiences worldwide.

Guaranteed seating will be available for anyone with a ticket and free tickets are available through the Opera House box office at 86 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor. The box office is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. For those who’d like to have tickets mailed to them, send a note indicating the number of tickets needed in a stamped, self addressed envelope mailed to the Opera House at P.O. Box 800, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538. Tickets may also be reserved by calling 207-633-5159.

Doors for seating will open at 6:30 pm. The concert begins at 7, with a presentation of the colors by the U.S. Coast Guard, Station Boothbay Harbor. This is an all-ages performance.