The U.S. Army Blues Returns to Annandale

The U.S. Army Blues returns to tonight as part of the Spotlight by Starlight summer concert series. The 18-piece band became a part of The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own," in 1972 and is now the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Army.

Learn more about tonight's performance in this Q&A with group leader SGM Tony Nalker.

What can local music lovers expect from your performance on Sunday evening? 

The Army Blues is an 18-piece big band that is a component of The United States Army Band, "Pershing's Own,” based at Ft. Myer, VA. We pay tribute to America's only indigenous art form, jazz, by playing music from throughout jazz history, from WWII to today. Many of the musicians in the Blues also compose and arrange music which we often feature. On Sunday night we'll be playing a mixture of old and new music, and hopefully something for everyone. Our program includes pieces by Count Basie, a Latin Jazz selection, an original composition by SFC Graham Breedlove paying tribute to New Orleans and traditional jazz, as well as some patriotic music.

Has the band ever performed at the Spotlight by Starlight series before? What has that experience been like?

We have performed at the Spotlight by Starlight many times in the past and always enjoy it. The setting is beautiful and the crowds are bountiful, appreciative and diverse. It's especially nice to play for a diverse audience since jazz represents the ever changing tapestry of what is America.

When did you become the group leader for the Army Blues Band? What does that role entail? Do you also perform in the band?

I became group leader of the band five years ago and have been the pianist in the Blues for 22 years. I still play in the band as the group leader but also have administrative responsibilities. We have a conductor, Chief Warrant Officer Five, Chuck Vollherbst, and an outstanding team of people that help with all the logistics of our performances.

Is there a strong sense of community among the band members given their connection to the military? How has that affected the band’s stage presence and musicianship?

There definitely is a strong sense of community among the band members. We're very blessed to be able to serve our country doing something we love and the crowds we get in the National Capitol Region often are comprised of many current and retired military members. Additionally, most everyone in the Blues has volunteered several times for USO tours to Afghanistan and Iraq over the Holidays, so even though our primary mission may be providing musical support around DC (White House, State Department, etc.), we have still seen first hand our fellow service members that are in harms way every day. We bring the same level of professionalism to our music as the men and women serving overseas do to their jobs.

What makes the Army Blues Band unique to other jazz ensembles in the Washington metropolitan area?

The Army Blues prides itself on its educational outreach programs. In addition to performing, we also present clinics and master classes to area schools (and even schools out of the area). The University of Alaska recently invited and sponsored the band to perform, teach, and adjudicate a high school jazz festival which included most every high school in the state. For the last three years, we also have been in residence as teachers and performers at the National Jazz Workshop in Winchester, VA for a week-long workshop for high school, college, and adult students.

Outdoor lawn concert; cancelled by 3:30 p.m. day of the show if inclement weather. Click here for more information on The U.S. Army Blues.

Sunday, Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m.; Free
6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA; (703) 324-SHOW