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Inaugural JBAB Open House 'jam-packed' with entertainment

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Susan Moreno
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
BOLLING AFB, D.C. --  As Bolling Air Force Base prepares to open its gates to the public for the first time in nearly eight years, visitors to the base have a great deal to look forward to in the way of family-friendly entertainment.

The Inaugural Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Open House July 4 will feature live musical performances throughout the day, with the list of performers including Airmen of Note with Allen Vizzutti, the Navy Commodores Jazz Ensemble, Airmen of Note with New York Voices, Jacques "The Saxman" Johnson and the Marcus Johnson Project.

"Along with the excellent lineup of artists and Services-provided activities, we will also showcase the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and U.S. Coast Guard Drill Teams, all of which exhibit excellence through superior performances," said Maj. Tyson Willis, Inaugural JBAB Open House project officer. "One could say that we are turning a grade 'A' event into an 'A plus' event. This is a very exciting time for the Navy, Air Force and joint basing."

U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team
The U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team is comprised of honor guard members that have excelled in military weapons' drill. The silent drill team performs at numerous functions in the Washington, D.C., area and throughout the country. The drill team also participates in recruiting tours, usually once a year, to assist the U.S. Coast Guard recruiting in raising awareness about the U.S. Coast Guard to the public. The U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team exemplifies the ceremonial honor guard's time-honored values of pride, poise, and perfection. The U.S. Coast Guard Drill Team will perform from 3 to 3:20 p.m.

Jacques "The Saxman" Johnson
Jacques "The Saxman" Johnson has served more than 27 years in Army bands. For more than 17 years he performed with the Army's premier band, The U. S. Army Band. Retired Sgt. Maj. Johnson has performed with Bob Hope, The Coasters, Stanley Turrentine, The Drifters and Solomon Bert. After retiring from the Army, Mr. Johnson was the associate professor of jazz studies at the University of the District of Columbia for two years. Mr. Johnson will perform from noon to 1:45 p.m.

Marcus Johnson Project
Marcus Johnson incorporates the rhythms of rap with the soul of R&B. He first took an interest in jazz when he started playing piano at the age of 13 and he found himself studying both traditional and contemporary jazz musicians. Marcus Johnson will perform from 2:10 to 3 p.m. and 3:20 to 4 p.m.

U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard
The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, based out of Naval Station Anacostia in Washington, D.C., is the official ceremonial unit of the U.S. Navy. The ceremonial guard's primary mission is to represent the Navy in presidential, joint armed forces, Navy and public ceremonies in the Nation's Capital. Members of the ceremonial guard make up a portion of the president's personal escort in the inaugural parade and participate in many joint armed forces color guards and cordons. The ceremonial guard will perform from 4:10 to 4:30 p.m.

Airmen of Note Jazz Ensemble
Created in 1950 to carry on the tradition of Glenn Miller's Army Air Corps dance band, the Airmen of Note is the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force. The Airmen of Note is one of today's few touring big bands. As a result, it has attracted 18 of the finest musicians in the country.

Allen Vizzutti
Allen Vizzutti was taught by his father, a self-taught musician and trumpet player, until he left home to attend the Eastman School of Music on full scholarship. There he earned the bachelor of music and master of music degrees, a performer's certificate, a chair in the Eastman Brass Quintet faculty ensemble, and the only artist's diploma ever awarded a wind player in Eastman's 85-year history. Mr. Vizzutti will perform with Airmen of Note from 5 to 6:15 p.m.

U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team
The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, the traveling component of the USAF Honor Guard, inspires Air Force awareness among military and civilian audiences through its complex drill routine. In all they do, the Drill Team personifies the integrity, discipline, teamwork, and professionalism of every Airman and every Air Force mission. During the Air Force Honor Guard's 60-year history, the Drill Team has performed in every state of the union and many countries abroad. The Drill Team will perform from 6:15 to 6:35 p.m. 

U.S. Navy Commodores
The Navy's premier jazz ensemble, the Commodores, is a specialty unit of the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C. The group features 18 of the Navy's top jazz and "big band" musicians. Since their founding in 1969, the Commodores have become one of the most acclaimed jazz ensembles in the country. The Commodores will perform from 6:35 to 7:50 p.m.

New York Voices
Celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year, New York Voices is the Grammy Award winning vocal ensemble renowned for their excellence in jazz and the art of group singing. Their interests are rooted in jazz, but often have Brazilian, rhythm and blues, classical and pop influences. New York Voices will be performing with Airmen of Note from 8:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., followed by the capital's fireworks display.

For the day's schedule, visit the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Open House web page or call the Straight Talk Line at (202) 404-3422.