FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Fort Bragg's Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation presents the North Carolina Symphony's Red, White and Blue Tour, June 4. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m., on the Main Post Parade Field. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public.
The Fort Bragg concert is part of a five stop tour which includes several North Carolina bases -Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Goldsboro; Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Havelock; and Camp Lejeune/New River Air Station, Jacksonville. The tour concludes during the Symphony's Summerfest 2010 season at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, N.C., June 5.
The North Carolina Symphony will pay tribute to the men and women who have kept America safe for generations.
"The Symphony is proud to partner with our men and women in uniform and to present these patriotic concerts at military bases around our state," said North Carolina Symphony president and CEO, David Chambless Worters.
"In keeping with the symphony's long tradition of statewide service, this is a perfect opportunity to bring the state of North Carolina's orchestra to our active-duty personnel, their families and their host communities."
Powerful works inspired by the armed services and moments when the brave actions of our military changed the course of American history make up the program. The concert will open with John Phillip Sousa's 'Army Song' and John Stafford Smith's "Star Spangled Banner."
Sergeant 1st Class Christal Sanders Rheams, a Raleigh, N.C. native, will join Director Grant Llewellyn and the orchestra in songs including 'Shenandoah' and 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.' Rheams, an alto, is a vocalist with the United States Army Band, 'Pershing's Own.'
"It is an honor to entertain the brave men and women of these military bases, here in our orchestra's home state of North Carolina," said Llewellyn.
Llewellyn, a native Tenby, Wales joined the North Carolina Symphony in 2004. "The British flag, the Union Jack, is made from the same red, white and blue as the Stars and Stripes. I feel the same allegiance toward the American armed forces as I feel toward my own British troops, amongst whom my grandfather, father uncles served in the First and Second World Wars."
The evening will also feature a Hat Parade and Instrument Zoo at 6:30 p.m. Children of all ages are invited to come. The Hat Parade is sponsored by Fort Bragg's FMWR and the Instrument Zoo is sponsored by the North Carolina Symphony.
"We are having a Fancy Hat Parade," said Lori Bruschi, FMWR marketing director. "You do not have to dress up. Wear a big fancy, flowery hat and come out and enjoy the fun. Pictures will be posted on the FMWR website. Concert goers are encouraged to bring their blankets, chairs and picnic baskets. Pets are not allowed on parade field. Vendors will be there beginning at 6:30 p.m., as well."
Denise Heller, FMWR Recreation Delivery System and special events recreation specialist added, "We are very excited about the event. It is a wonderful opportunity for our community to have a summer evening concert by the symphony.
The North Carolina Symphony Instrument Zoo provides a hands-on, pre-concert activity. The audience is invited to try out instruments such as the trumpet, flute and violin. "This activity promises musical fun for the whole Family," said Rob Maddrey, North Carolina Symphony director of State Wide Development.
"We are extremely grateful to Fort Bragg's FMWR for presenting this special concert. This is the perfect opportunity to reach out to folks at Fort Bragg. We look forward to having a terrific time. Through this tour, we celebrate our North Carolina military heritage, Maddrey added."
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