Patrons attending the Summer Fare performance on Wednesday, Aug. 20 and Thursday, Aug. 21 will be treated to one of the Marine Band’s up and coming groups, the Marine Latin Jazz Ensemble. Led by pianist Gunnery Sgt. AnnaMaria Mottola, the musicians include flutist Staff Sgt. Kara Santos, saxophone players Gunnery Sgts. Gregory Ridlington and Ivy Goodlett, trumpet players Master Sgt. Scott Gearhart and Gunnery Sgt. Daniel Orban, euphonium players Staff Sgts. Ryan McGeorge and Hiram Diaz, percussionists Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Bisesi and Staff Sgts. Michael Metzger and David Constantine, double bassist Master Sgt. Aaron Clay, and guitarist Gunnery Sgt. Alan Prather. The program will include selections from the following: Tito Puente’s Mambo Caliente and “Oye Como Va;” Mario Bauzá, Bobby Woodlen, and Grace Sampson’s “At the Mambo Inn;” Chick Corea’s “Spain” and “La Fiesta;”  David Samuels’ “Rendezvous;” Cal Tjader’s “Viva Cepeda;” Michel Camilo’s “Caribe” and “Suntan;” Lee Morgan’s “Ceora;” Oscar Hernandez’s “Adelante Siempre Voy;” Pat Metheny’s “Have You Heard;” John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie and Walter Gilbert “Gil” Fuller’s “Manteca;” and Paul Simon’s “Late in the Evening.”

What started out as an ensemble for the Marine Band’s Music in the High Schools educational outreach initiative developed into a place for the more classically-trained musicians to hone their skills in a genre that is almost like a second language. “Because the group is new, it is constantly evolving,” Mottola said. “We have added players to the group and it has become a ‘little big band.’ This music has a strong foundation with percussion, and we have the best players possible for this style. The percussive aspect is my favorite part. It is intense, while being respectful of the traditional rhythms from all of the diverse Latin countries we are pulling music from.”

“When I am picking music for these concerts, I am careful to choose a variety of Latin styles, while also giving every instrument in the ensemble a chance to shine,” she continued. “That way there really is a little something from all the different instrumental colors.”

Although Marine Band musicians perform jazz frequently at the White House for President Barack Obama and his guests, these two concerts are rare opportunities for patrons to hear the same music, and more, in a public forum. “Audiences will enjoy this ensemble because while we are playing traditional Latin music, we are also playing jazz fusion, salsa dance music, and even pop and rock styles. All have an underlying Latin feel, so there is something for everyone,” Mottola said.

Summer Fare takes place at 8 p.m., Wednesdays on the West Terrace of the U.S. Capitol and Thursdays at the Sylvan Theater, on the grounds of the Washington Monument. Street parking is available or, for concerts at the Capitol, patrons may take the red line to Union Station or the blue, orange, or silver lines to the Capitol South station. For concerts at the Sylvan Theater take the blue, orange, or silver lines to the Smithsonian station. The concerts are free but weather permitting and programming is subject to change. Inclement weather announcements will be made by 6 p.m. on the band’s Concert Information Line at (202) 433-4011.