Navy Band Cruisers in Kalamazoo

We drove to Kalamazoo today for the last of the summer concerts in Bronson Park, featuring the U.S. Navy Band Cruisers. It was storming, so the performance was moved to the rain location, the First United Methodist Church, which is located on the square. 

We were late because of a detour, so when we arrived, people were being directed to the balcony. Unfortunately only the front row of the balcony could see the performance, since the musicians were in front of the communion rail. Some people stood along the sides of the balcony.

Photo taken from the Family Room (cry room)

The performers were all very talented, and we enjoyed some of the pieces they performed, but a lot was very loud rock, which is not our favorite. They were well into one piece before we realized that it was a very unusual arrangement of the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

US Navy Band Cruisers

As the U.S. Navy's premier popular music group, the Cruisers feature eight of the Navy's most dynamic performers. The group takes its name from the Navy's versatile, flexible, multi-missioned ship – the cruiser – and the band lives up to their namesake by having the capabilities of playing genres of music ranging from jazz & standards, rhythm & blues, classic rock, adult contemporary and pop as well as original material. This elite group has engaged and excited audiences of all ages throughout the U.S. and abroad with world-class musicianship and high energy, fun filled performances.
Having truly worldwide appeal, they traveled to Oslo in 2004 for the Norwegian Military Tattoo. In addition, they performed in Keflavik, Iceland, in October 1999 for the Naval Air Station's Navy Birthday Ball. Closer to home, they are in constant demand by the most senior government and military officials. Smaller combinations of the group often perform at the chief of naval operations' quarters for official receptions. Their show-stopping appearances on Navy birthday concerts, holiday concerts, national tours, and summer concert series performances are always a highlight.