The Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, D.C., one of four performing groups of the U.S. Army Field Band, will make their Port Hueneme debut Saturday, performing two free concerts at the Oceanview Pavilion Performing Arts Theatre by the Beach.
The musicians have not performed in California for more than seven years, said Sharon Kloeris, executive vice president of the Oceanview Pavilion, and have never been to Port Hueneme.
“They had performed in Oxnard years ago, and that is when I contacted them to perform at Oceanview Pavilion,” Kloeris said.
IF YOU GO
What: Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, D.C.
When: 3 and 7 p.m. March 12.
Where: Oceanview Pavilion Performing Arts Theatre by the Beach, 575 E. Surfside Drive, Port Hueneme
Cost: Free, with a maximum of four tickets per household.
Free tickets and information: 986-4818 or www.oceanviewinfo.com
The ensemble of 19 musicians is the official touring big band of the Army and has appeared in all 50 states, as well as Canada, Mexico, Japan, India and throughout Europe. The group has performed jointly with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, the Seattle Symphony Pops and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
The Jazz Ambassadors will perform March 12 at 3 and 7 p.m. Each performance is 90 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission.
Local students will join them at each show. The 3 p.m. matinee will feature three students from Hueneme High School: trumpeter Miguel Angel Guzman, John Mijares, who plays the alto saxophone, and trombonist Miguel Ceja.
At the 7 p.m. show, the band will be joined by three musicians from the Oxnard High School Jazz Ensemble and Marching Band: Arthur Wahl, a tenor saxophone player, trumpeter Cody Pallasigui, and trombonist Adrian Hawthorne.
“This gives the students an opportunity of a lifetime to play a selection during the formal concert with the Jazz Ambassadors — such an incredible experience and honor for these high school students,” Kloeris said.
The Jazz Ambassadors’ repertoire includes big band, swing, bebop and Dixieland, as well as patriotic selections, many of which are written or arranged by band members.
The group is on tour 100 days a year, said Master Sgt. Adam Getz, tour coordinator.
“Not only are they a professional musical ensemble, they are also ambassadors for the Army,” he said.
Kloeris noted that the concert is designed for all family members.
“Whether you are 5 or 105, music is the one element that will bring folks together,” she said. “We at Oceanview Pavilion strongly believe in giving back to our communities, supporting our military and bringing the finest entertainment to Ventura County.”