Free Concert from the Navy Jazz Band should hit all the right notes

120223-N-HG258-002 February 23, 2012 (WASHINGTON D.C.) Chief Musician Steve Williams, center, performs on saxophone as members of the Herndon High School jazz band observe during their trip to the Commodores jazz ensemble's rehearsal spaces at the Washington Navy Yard. The Navy Band "Music in the Schools" program, designed to bring concerts and demonstrations to school aged children, introduces students to live music performances by professional Navy musicians. (U.S. Navy Photo by MUC Stephen Hassay /Released)

Newsmakers getting ready for the show October 28th at the Lerner

There are a lot of ways to serve your country.

Since 1969 the United States Navy Commodores Jazz Big Band has been boosting morale and sharing their gifts across the country. The Commodores will bring their considerable talents to the Lerner Theater on Wednesday, October 28th. It's a free show with The Elkhart Truth and tickets are available with a coupon from the Truth and Flavor 574.

On Newsmakers Wednesday morning we spoke with Master Chief Aaron Porter in Washington, D.C., who has been a musician with the Navy Band for 30 years. He talked a little about the history of the Navy Commodores, what their average touring schedule looks like, and what kind of sonic experience they're bringing to Elkhart later this month.

The Navy Commodores have recorded several albums and have performed with guest artists such as Ray Charles, Branford Marsalis, and a number of other jazz greats from the past dew decades. Their last album, Directions, was released in 2011. Many of the arrangements and originals the Commodores perform are written by the members themselves.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR OUR CONVERSATION

Tommie Lee is the host of Newsmakers, heard every Wednesday morning at 8:30 on the Truth Radio Early Edition.