The Commodores, the U.S. Navys jazz ensemble, will be coming to Lansing later this month.
The ensemble, which is part of the U.S. Navys Band, is coming to Everett High School, 3900 Stabler St., on Nov. 16 for a free concert.
The stop here in Lansing is part of their Midwest tour, said Denise Lynch, special recreation services coordinator for the Lansing Parks and Recreation Department. They travel around as a public relations type of thing. Its just something that different branches of the military do.
The band is made up of professional musicians in the Navy that perform as their sole job in the military, said Todd Mitchell, public affairs officer for Navy recruiting in Michigan.
Theyve joined the Navy to be musicians, he said. The primary mission for them is to spread Navy awareness.
The band first formed in 1966 as the Navys dance band but were renamed The Commodores and designated the official Navy jazz band in 1969. The band has appeared at Walt Disney World, on Good Morning America and has performed with Terry Gibbs and Ray Charles.
Theyve basically been on tour ever since, Mitchell said. Every year they go to a different location in the United States or in Europe and do a tour.
The Navy also has a country band, a concert band, an orchestra and a marching band, but Mitchell said The Commodores are generally well-liked by a diverse crowd.
The type of music they play is upbeat, he said. Its generally well-liked by everybody.
Lynch said the department has brought in other military bands previously but hasnt had The Commodores perform before.
They all have various musical groups that represent their branch, she said. Two years ago we had a country band that was part of the U.S. Navy. Prior to that we had a chorus. Then we had the U.S. Marine band two years ago.
The concert should attract about 500 people, Lynch said.
Its an opportunity for people to have an evening out and its free, she said. Even if youre a little strapped for cash, its good entertainment and its at no cost.
To request tickets, contact the Lansing Parks and Recreation Department at 483-4277.