U.S. Marine Band coming to Springfield for concert

Sep. 29—The President's Own U. S. Marine Band will return to Springfield Symphony Hall to present a free concert, sponsored by Eastman-Indian Orchard, on Oct. 16 at 3 p.m.

Under the direction of Col. Jason K. Fettig, the band features 50 musicians making a fall tour of the Northeast. The program will include John Philip Sousa marches, contemporary compositions, vocal and instrumental solos and a patriotic salute to the armed forces.

Tickets for the event are available at Pride Convenience Stores, the Springfield Visitors Center at 1319 Main St., the security desk at One Financial Plaza, 1350 Main St. They may also be obtained by sending self-addressed stamped envelope to: Spirit of Springfield, 1350 Main St., Suite 1004, Springfield, MA 01103.

"Musicians of the band are more eager than ever to share their musical talents with audiences live, and in-person on this Northeast tour," said Fettig, a New Hampshire native and a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst as a member of the Class of 1998.

Established by an Act of Congress in 1798, the U.S. Marine Band is America's oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Its mission is to provide music for the president and the commandant of the Marine Corps.

In addition to Eastman-Indian Orchard, support for the concert is being provided by MassLive, The Republican, Western Mass News, and WMAS FM.

For more information go online to spiritofspringffield.org, email staff@spiritofspringfield.org, or call the Spirit of Springfield at 413-733-3800.