The U.S. Air Force Band of the West: Dimensions in Blue jazz ensemble will give a free concert. This band creates a certain buzz around the nation because they perform the original American musical art form: jazz. 

Their performance will take place Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. 

The band is comprised of 18 musicians that represent quality music education from around the nation. The band’s reputation has grown because of the way it keeps the musical heritage of the most well known jazz musicians intact while also integrating modern sounds. This characteristic gives the band the advantage of reaching a much broader audience. 

“The music from the United States Air Force Band of the West is fabulous,” said Roy Blackwood, interim director of Columbia Theatre. “This particular group is Dimensions in Blue. They are very well-known and are fairly famous.” 

Their name has grown through visits to southern states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida, and because of their impactful work with high schools and colleges to build music education and nationalism through concerts and work in various communities. 

“They are really coming in for Mardi Gras and it was an opportunity to get them in Hammond and I took advantage of that. They let me know that they were going to be in the area,” said Blackwood. 

They have remained true to more than 70 years of jazz music. Their promise is that “Dimensions in Blue will continue to deliver world class musical entertainment to you, our audience and loyal supporters and to demonstrate Air Force integrity, service and excellence throughout the country.” 

Starting with its formation, this jazz ensemble has been committed to keeping its central sound focus on the 1940s Glenn Miller Army Air Corps. 

According to Blackwood, this entertaining music will translate well in the Columbia Theatre. 

“The acoustics are superb in this theater,” said Blackwood. “[It will mostly be] swing tunes and big band music. [There] aren’t very many groups in country playing this kind of music.”

The Hammond Daily Star is co-sponsoring the event with the Columbia Theatre. It will be at no cost to the community because of government support and other sponsors. 

“The active military are supported by our government,” said Blackwood. “This is their job and it’s free to the public. I take this out of sponsorship money that I raise [from] the businesses and individuals that contribute to the Columbia.” 

The doors of the theatre will be open for all who wish to support those who serve the U.S. and still find time to reach others through music. 

“I like to honor the veterans and active military,” said Blackwood. “Invite the community to come and enjoy the beautiful Columbia Theatre and this performance for free.”

Tickets can be found at the Columbia Theatre box office, the Daily Star or the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center in Hammond.