American Legion Post 509 and the John Philip Sousa Memorial Bandshell Committee are hosting the 42nd Infantry Division Concert Band for a free concert Friday at 8 p.m. at the John Philip Sousa Bandshell.
The committee has been providing free concerts to the Port Washington community for 53 seasons.
The 42nd Infantry Division Band is the musical ambassador for the 42nd Infantry Division of the New York Army National Guard.
The band has a variety of performing groups, but Friday’s performance features the Concert Band, which is when all of the band’s members work together to play a number of music genres that appeal to people of all ages.
Performers in the band come from across the state and many are proficient at multiple instruments, according to a news release from the band.
Members are called upon as Army National Guardsmen to provide entertainment for events such as military ceremonies, parades and concerts.
The band meets one weekend per month and serves on active duty for 15 days a year.
In 2005, the 42nd Infantry Division Band was deployed for a tour in Iraq, where it provided music and entertainment to the troops, played music at soldier memorials and assisted the Chaplain Corps, as well as aiding security operations.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Mark L. Kimes and First Sgt. Leslie G. Saroka command the band, which is based at Camp Smith in Cortland Manor.
Other performing groups of the 42nd Infantry Division Band include a marching and ceremonial band, a brass quintet, a woodwind quartet, a jazz combo, a Latin band and rock band among others.
The event is sponsored by the Port Washington Lions Club.
