WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Marine Band’s popular music ensemble, Free Country, will light up the night with a mix of popular music, classics, and country favorites during two concerts this week at 8 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 14, on the west terrace of the U.S. Capitol and at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 15, in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park in Glen Echo, Md.
The ten-piece band features modern and classic commercial hits including songs from the 1960s to the present from the genres of pop, rock, R&B, and country by such recording artists as Lee Greenwood, Tom Cochrane, John Waite, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, Bobby Caldwell, and Earth, Wind & Fire. The concerts will feature some new selections never before performed by Free Country, including Jimmie Allen’s chart-topping country hit “Best Shot,” and the very popular hit “Shallow” from the movie “A Star is Born” featuring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. Free Country delivers shows that include humor and reflection while always paying tribute to the men and women in uniform through songs about the American experience, ending the show with Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” and Rodney Atkins “It’s America.”
“We’ve tried to include selections in these concerts that we hope will appeal to a wide audience; mostly classic favorites with a few newer songs thrown into the mix,” said guitarist and vocalist Master Sgt. Alan Prather. Other members of the group include Master Gunnery Sgts. Christopher Rose on drums, Aaron Clay on bass, Steve Longoria on saxophone, and Kevin Bennear on vocals; and Gunnery Sgts. Brian Turnmire on guitar, Sara Sheffield on vocals, Timothy Dugan on trombone, Brad Weil on trumpet and AnnaMaria Mottola on keyboard.
The concerts are free but weather permitting, and programming is subject to change. Inclement weather announcements will be made by 6 p.m. for evening concerts on the band’s Concert Information Line at (202) 433-4011 and on the Marine Band’s website and social media pages.
Complete Program