Jazz Ambassadors, U.S. Army Jazz Orchestra, in Free Concert Oct. 26

The Jazz Ambassadors, the premier touring jazz orchestra of the United States Army, will present a free concert at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, in the Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall at Illinois State University.

Tickets are free but must be obtained at the CPA box office or at The Pantagraph, 301 W. Washington in Bloomington.  The doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and ticket holders will be admitted until 7:50, when unclaimed seats will be released.  More information is available at the box office at (309) 438-2535.

Opening the concert will be a brief set by Illinois State University Jazz Ensemble I, directed by Tom Marko.

The Jazz Ambassadors are considered one of the finest jazz ensembles in the world.  The 19-member big band, formed in 1969, has received acclaim at home and abroad for their diverse programs, which include big band swing, Latin music, contemporary jazz, popular tunes, standards, Dixieland and patriotic selections.

The group has been featured at some of the largest jazz festivals in the world, including the Montreux, North Sea and Newport festivals.  Jazz Ambassadors have performed in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India and throughout Europe.  They travel thousands of miles a year keeping the will of the American people behind the members of the armed forces and supporting diplomatic efforts around the world.