U.S. Navy Band, Country Current, coming to Lamar County | Events

The following is a press release from the Magnolia State Bluegrass Association:

You don’t have to be in the Navy to get an up close and personal feel for what it’s like.  Take the opportunity to experience Navy life in a fun cool atmosphere on September 9 at 3 p.m. when Country Current performs in the Community Shelter Building at the Lamar County Fairgrounds, Purvis.

The United States Navy Band Country Current is the Navy's premiere country-bluegrass ensemble.  Under the direction of Senior Chief Musician Keith Arneson, Country Current is nationally renowned for its versatility and "eye-popping" musicianship, performing a blend of modern country music and cutting-edge bluegrass.

This seven member ensemble employs musicians from diverse backgrounds with extensive high-profile recording and touring experience in the music scenes of Nashville, Tenn., New York City, New Orleans and more.  In the tradition of country music, each member is a skilled performer on multiple instruments.  The band utilizes banjo, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, fiddle, electric bass, upright bass, dobro, pedal steel guitar and drum set.

Formed in 1973 by legendary banjoist Bill Emerson, the band has a rich legacy of notable alumni including Wayne Taylor, Jerry Gilmore, and Frank Sollivan.  They have performed at the Grand Ole Opry, for presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and overseas in Stockholm , Nova Scotia,  and Beijing.  With a fun-filled and family-friendly stage show , Country Current has been delighting its fans for nearly 40 years with their musical virtuosity and humor.

A staple of the bluegrass scene, Country Current has shared the stage with music luminaries Rhonda Vincent, Dailey and Vincent, Mountain Heart, Little Roy Lewis, Third Time Out, The Lonesome River Band, Josh Williams, The Seldom Scene, J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson, Ned Luberecki, Chris Jones, and many others. Country Current routinely performs at bluegrass festivals such as Darrington, Windgap, Gettysburg, Lake Havasu and Grass Valley.  In 2011, Country Current became the first military band to perform at the South by Southwest music festival.  Country Current has performed at the Elks Dixie Bluegrass Festival, Hattiesburg, MS, the Mississippi Bluegrass Reunion, Purvis, MS and at the Two Rivers Bluegrass Festival, Heritage and Forestry Expo, Leakesville, MS

Country Current performs regularly for the president, vice-president, the secretary of the Navy, the chief of naval operations, the chairman and vice-chairman of the Joint Chiefs Of Staff, the master chief petty officer of the Navy and numerous other dignitaries.  Reaching out to communities both locally and nationally, they regularly perform for veterans, elementary schools, and in support of our active-duty Sailors.

One of the primary responsibilities of the U.S. Navy Band is its national concert tour.  Rather than a single tour, the Navy Band’s national concert tour is a collection of tours throughout the year by the various units of the Navy Band. Each year, the large ensembles of the Navy Band embark for weeks on concert tours throughout specified regions of the country. These tours provide

the opportunity to reach out to audiences in areas of the country that do not have opportunities to see the Navy’s premier musical ensembles on a regular basis. The national concert tours of the Navy Band serve audiences with entertaining performances but also allow the Navy direct access to both former and future members of the United States Navy.

Audiences across the country have received the Navy Band with warm support and appreciation. Whether in a local gymnasium or in a famous concert hall, the Navy Band strives to perform with all of the precision and energy that befits its stature. Past tours by Navy Band ensembles have included performances at major municipal halls, community centers, countless universities, outdoor venues and the American Bandmasters Association Annual Convention. These patriotic concerts range from the traditional to the contemporary, showcasing the skill and versatility of the different units of the band.

All Navy Band performances are free and open to the public. The concerts are meant to be for everyone and we strive to be entertaining to veterans, families, individuals and those interested in joining the Navy. For those interested, Navy recruiters will be available for any questions at most tour performances.

National tours also allow the Navy Band to fulfill one of its other priorities.  The Navy Band routinely extends its commitment to educational outreach during its tours through the Music in the Schools program. It is not uncommon for Navy Band musicians to take the time to perform recitals and give masterclasses and clinics in local schools and universities. In addition to these special appearances, the Navy Concert Band continues its tradition of inviting talented young musicians to perform with them on stage.

America’s Navy is a force as revelant today as it’s been historically significant for the last 236 years.  The times may change and the threats may become more obscure with the complexity of the 21st century and life may make the demand for such a presence less obvious but our U. S. Navy , more than ever is something to be aware of; to be proud of and to be thankful for.  The mission of the U. S. Navy is to maintain, train and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas.

Doors will open at 2 p.m. Seating is on a first come basis.  This event is sponsored by the Lamar County Board of Supervisors.  For further information, call  Bertie Sullivan, President Magnolia State Bluegrass Assn. at 601-408-5965. 

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