Marine Barracks Annex Washington DC -- The Marine Band will once again inaugurate the summer season of performances at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts with the Summer Blast Off at 8 p.m., Sunday, May 26 conducted by Director Col. Jason K. Fettig. For years “The President’s Own” has brought the music of the White House to the lawn of the Filene Center under brilliantly lit stars, torrential downpours, and spectacular fireworks displays. This year’s program of Americana is sure to delight patrons as it offers a little something for everyone who waves the “red, white, and blue.”
The concert begins with James Stephenson’s Stars and Stripes Fanfare, followed by Henri Vieuxtemps’ Souvenir d’Amérique, “Yankee Doodle” (Variations burlesques), Opus 17, featuring violin soloist Master Gunnery Sgt. Peter Wilson. Another concert highlight includes a new arrangement by Marine Band Staff Arranger Staff Sgt. Scott Ninmer of songs from Lerner and Loewe’s popular musical “My Fair Lady.” Sung by Marine Band vocalists Master Sgt. Kevin Bennear and Gunnery Sgt. Sara Sheffield, the arrangement will showcase the catchy and popular tunes from the Broadway musical.
And no Summer Blast Off is complete without Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s exhilarating Overture Solennelle, “1812,” Opus 49, John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” and A Salute to the Armed Forces of America, honoring all veterans past and present. After the concert, be sure to stay for the best fireworks show in town!
The concert is free and tickets are not required. The 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, Va. Patrons are welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating in the lawn area. For more information call (703) 255-1900 or visit www.wolf-trap.org.
Complete program
Directions and Details