The Guard at the Garde

NEW LONDON—As part of the festivities for “The U.S. Coast Guard and New London: Celebrating 218 Years Together,” the U.S. Coast Guard Band presents a free performance at the Garde Arts Center in downtown New London on Saturday, April 26 at 2 p.m.

Apr 08, 2008 6:16 PM - As part of the festivities for “The U.S. Coast Guard and New London: Celebrating 218 Years Together,” the U.S. Coast Guard Band presents a free performance at the Garde Arts Center in downtown New London on Saturday, April 26 at 2 p.m.

The program is comprised of music with nautical themes and local connections, and includes Francis McBeth’s “Of Sailors and Whales: Four Scenes from Melville” and Roger Nixon’s “A Visit to Olde New London.” In a noteworthy appearance, Rear Admiral J. Scott Burhoe, Superintendent of the Academy, narrates selected writings of Presidents Lincoln, Eisenhower, and Reagan in “Gardens of Stone,” written by James Beckel in honor of soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for our country. The Dixieland Jazz Band brings to the stage selections from the Eugene O’Neill songbook. Assistant Director Chief Warrant Officer Richard Wyman conducts “Chester” from William Schuman’s “New England Triptych.”

The performance is free and open to the public. No tickets are required. For more information about the Coast Guard Band, call the Band’s Concert Information Line at (860) 701-6826 or visit www.uscg.mil/band. At the Garde Arts Center, only orchestra seating is handicapped-accessible. For more information about the Garde, call 444-6766 or visit www.gardearts.org. For more information about the Coast Guard in New London festival, call the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut at 437-1565 or visit www.chamberect.com.