Free Air Force Jazz Concert Coming to Buffalo August 29th

If you enjoy live music, especially big band and jazz, there is a free concert coming to Buffalo that should be worth putting on the calendar.

The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America will bring its Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble to Sturges Park Bandshell in Buffalo on Saturday, August 29th. The performance begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

TAKING A MINNESOTA TOUR

The Buffalo concert is one stop on a Minnesota tour that will take the ensemble to several communities across the state. The musicians will also perform in Rosemount, Stillwater, St. Paul and at the Minnesota State Fair.

For people in Central Minnesota, the Buffalo performance offers a chance to see a professional military jazz ensemble close to home without buying a ticket.

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SHADES OF BLUE JAZZ ENSEMBLE

The Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble performs a wide range of jazz styles. The group can move from traditional big-band sounds to swing, bebop, and more contemporary jazz. The music also includes familiar works from legendary composers and bandleaders such as Count Basie and Glenn Miller, along with newer arrangements and original compositions created by members of the ensemble.

And these aren't musicians who only perform for military audiences.

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WHO ARE THE PLAYERS?

The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America serves as the musical ambassador for Air Mobility Command and regularly performs throughout the Midwest. Its musicians are active-duty members of the Air Force who are stationed at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.

Over the years, members of the organization have performed for major public figures and international leaders, while also appearing at festivals, community concerts and special events. The band performs hundreds of engagements each year as part of its civic outreach and recruiting mission.

The Shades of Blue ensemble has also shared the stage with well-known jazz musicians and is frequently invited to perform at jazz festivals and educational events.

RECEIVING NATIONAL RECOGNITION

The organization has received national recognition as well. In 2022, the Air Force Band of Mid-America received a Mid-America Emmy Award in the Arts & Entertainment Long Form Content category for its holiday production, "Spirit of the Season."

But on August 29th, the focus will be much closer to home.

LOCATION IN BUFFALO AUGUST 29TH

The Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble will perform at the Sturges Park Bandshell, located at 505 2nd Avenue South in Buffalo. The concert begins at 7 p.m.

The outdoor Buffalo performance is free and open to the public. Concertgoers should also be aware that several other stops on the Minnesota tour will be indoors, but the Buffalo show will be held outside at Sturges Park.

The ensemble's visit allows Buffalo residents and visitors to hear some impressive live music while enjoying one of the city's outdoor gathering places.

And because there is no admission charge, you don't have to be a lifelong jazz fan to check it out.

MAKE A NEW DISCOVERY

The Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble's Minnesota tour continues through September 1st, including performances at the Minnesota State Fair on August 31st and September 1st. Admission to the fair is required for those performances, so don't miss this FREE show. It is also a great time for you to share this experience with your elementary students who might consider being in band in school. They are inspiring and talented and could be the reason your kids discover a new instrument. Hope to see you in Buffalo. Tell your friends!