What: Free concert by the U.S. Navy Band Northeast – Rhode Island Sound
When: Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Forest Park Ball Field, 299 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA 01108
Mayor Domenic Sarno J. and Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management are pleased to announce the United States Navy Band Northeast – Rhode Island Sound will continue its long tradition of presenting free public performances when it appears at Forest Park on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. In case of rain, the Van Sickle Auditorium will host the concert. The Navy Band’s concert in Springfield is sponsored by the City of Springfield Parks, Buildings and Recreation Department.
The concert will open with the Navy Leap Frogs landing in the center of the Ball Field Complex in Forest Park. A typical Leap Frog performance consists of six jumpers leaping out of an aircraft at an altitude of 6,000 feet. After freefalling sometimes using smoke or streamers, the Leap Frogs fly their canopies together to build canopy-relative work formations. After performances, the Leap Frogs make themselves available to the public to answer questions about the Navy and the Navy Special Warfare Community, as well as to sign autographs.
Established in 1974, Navy Band Northeast is based on board NAVSTA Newport and is one of 11 official U.S. Navy bands worldwide, providing musical support for military ceremonies, recruiting, morale and retention programs, and community relations. Under the direction of Lt. Joel Borrelli-Boudreau, this group of 35 professional Navy musicians supports more than 300 engagements annually throughout an 11-state area of responsibility, performing regularly for high-ranking military and civilian dignitaries, Navy recruiting, public outreach and awareness efforts, and partnership in education programs through the Northeast United States.
The Rhode Island Sound is the most contemporary sounding group from Navy Band Northeast. This ensemble entertains audiences with music ranging from rhythm and blues to classic rock. Performing current popular music at high schools throughout New England, Rhode Island Sound also performs public concerts at a variety of venues. Their versatility and showmanship has always kept them in great demand since their inception in 1974.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “We are honored to host the U.S. Navy Northeast – Rhode Island Sound here in our majestic Forest Park. The long standing tradition of traveling throughout the Northeast provides residents an opportunity to honor our service men and women by attending the concert. I look forward to a beautiful night in Forest Park and encourage all of our residents to join me in honoring our service men and women.”
Executive Director Patrick Sullivan added, “Forest Park will provide a beautiful back drop for the U.S. Navy Band Northeast – Rhode Island Sound. It was great news for our city when they contacted Mayor Sarno and offered to play here for our residents. This is a unique opportunity for our city and we encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a beautiful evening in the park.”
