U.S. Army Field Band to play in Boardman

By ASHLEY LUTHERN

The band keeps patriotism alive, the tour coordinator said.

BOARDMAN — Fireworks won’t be the only thing booming in Boardman Park on Thursday.

For the 12th year, the United States Army Field Band will perform at the park’s Maag Theater. The concert starts at 8 p.m., and fireworks provided by B.J. Alan will follow the performance at 9:45 p.m.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have some of the finest bands in the world, like the Army Field Band and the Jazz Ensemble, come to the area,” said Dan Slagle, Boardman Park’s director.

The field band tries not to play the same venue two years in a row, but has made an exception for the local park.

“I can say this much, that the Army band comes back for two reasons. No. 1 is the audience because we have one of the largest turnouts on their schedule,” Slagle said. “No. 2, the band loves the Maag outdoor theater.”

The Army Field Band has been performing since 1946 and has given free concerts in all 50 states and more than 30 counties.

“The band performs 110 days a year for free in venues across the country and brings the Army story to all communities,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michelle Laska, tour coordinator for the band.

Band members come from across the country and are all active duty Army soldiers, she said.

“We tell the Army’s story, we keep patriotism alive and we are supporting our overseas soldiers while we’re here at home,” Laska said.

The band usually plays traditional as well as contemporary styles of music and is diverse in its selection of popular favorites, Slagle said.

Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to watch the band at the outdoor theater, but in the event of rain, the concert will be moved to Boardman High School’s Performing Arts Center.

Even if the concert breaks the tradition of every other rain-free performance, the switch in venue won’t put a damper on the early Independence Day festivities.

“We’re honored to be able to have this internationally recognized band continue to come back to the park year after year,” Slagle said. “It’s just a wonderful event.”

aluthern@vindy.com