An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


News

Sign up for the Marine Band newsletter HERE.

At Wolf Trap’s Summer Blast Off!

25 May 2016 | Staff Sgt. Rachel Ghadiali United States Marine Band

On Sunday, May 29, the Marine Band will perform Summer Blast Off!, a Memorial Day weekend concert at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts’ Filene Center in Vienna, Va. This year’s event is a patriotic musical extravaganza followed by a thrilling fireworks display; it is free and open to the public and will begin at 8 p.m. 

The program includes inspirational and patriotic works such as John Philip Sousa’s march “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” 1Marine Band Assistant Director st Lt. Ryan Nowlin’s moving arrangement of “Amazing Grace,” Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America,” Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s monumental 1812 Overture, a medley of the military service songs, and John Williams’ The Patriot, a new transcription of music from the score to the Revolutionary War epic starring Mel Gibson. The program will also include Mark D. Camphouse’s Yosemite Autumn, as a tribute to the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, and a new arrangement from the hit Broadway musical Guys and Dolls, sung and narrated by baritone vocalist Master Sgt. Kevin Bennear and mezzo-soprano Gunnery Sgt. Sara Sheffield.

“This concert always highlights a cross-section of our great American music and famous works that have long been associated with our cherished holidays,” said Marine Band Director Lt. Col. Jason K. Fettig. “Even more importantly, this popular gathering of thousands from around the D.C. area allows us the perfect opportunity to celebrate our national heritage and pay tribute to those who have sacrificed so much in service to our country.”

Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. and will close when the park reaches maximum capacity. A fireworks viewing area will open at approximately 9:30 p.m., following the Marine Band’s performance, with the display set to start at 9:45 p.m. The Filene Center is located at 1551 Trap Road in Vienna. Patrons are welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating in the lawn area. For more information call (703) 255-1900 or visit wolftrap.org.