Three Rahway High School seniors are getting a Veterans Day invitation most student musicians only dream about: a spot onstage with the United States Army's premier touring big band. Isaiah Bell, Jacmel Pointdujour and Byron Gilliard have each been invited to perform alongside the US Army Jazz Ambassadors when the group takes the Main Stage at the Union County Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, November 11, at 7 p.m.
The three students have been invited to perform with the Jazz Ambassadors, according to TAPinto. The stop is part of the band's 25-day annual tour, and the Rahway date doubles as an America250 celebration at the venue, according to UCPAC.
The invitation gives the three Rahway High School seniors a chance to perform with the touring ensemble.
Who Are the Jazz Ambassadors
The Jazz Ambassadors bill themselves as the United States Army's premier big band, representing the country throughout the nation and abroad. UCPAC's event listing describes the ensemble as the Army's official touring big band, formed in 1969 and made up of 19 members.
According to the venue's listing, the group has appeared in all 50 states as well as Canada, Mexico, Japan, India and throughout Europe. The band has also appeared alongside the Boston Pops and the National Symphony, and has played jazz festivals in Montreux, Newport and Toronto, per the band's own website as cited in the TAPinto report.
Beyond Rahway, the Jazz Ambassadors' touring résumé includes performances at the Duxbury Performing Arts Center in Duxbury and the Barnstable Performing Arts Center in Hyannis, according to DVIDS records documenting the unit's travels.
Free Concert, But Seats Must Be Reserved
The Veterans Day concert is free to attend, per TAPinto's reporting. For three Rahway seniors who spend their school days in the band room, next week's show offers a rare chance to trade the high school stage for one shared with soldiers who have carried American music across the globe.
