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The internationally acclaimed Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, DC will continue its long tradition of presenting free public performances when it appears at Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, November 18 at 7:30pm. The Jazz Ambassadors’ concert in Oxford ispresented by the director of Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts.

The Jazz Ambassadors is the official touring big band of the United States Army. Formed in 1969, this 19-member ensemble has received great acclaim at home and abroad performing America’s greatest original art form, jazz.

Concerts by the Jazz Ambassadors are programmed to entertain all types of audiences. The band’s diverse repertoire includes big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, standards, popular tunes, traditional New Orleans jazz, vocals, and patriotic selections, many of which are written or arranged by members of the Jazz Ambassadors.

The Jazz Ambassadors has appeared in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, and throughout Europe. Recent notable performances include concerts at the Toronto Jazz Festival, theRichmond Jazz Festival at Maymont, the Kennedy Center Honors, the Jazz Education NetworkConference, and an appearance on the Colbert Report. Gordon Goodwin, Bobby Shew, Ernie Watts,and the Dave Brubeck All-Star Quintet are just a few of the outstanding jazz artists who have sharedthe stage with the Jazz Ambassadors.

The band has been featured in joint concerts with MarvinHamlisch and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, the SeattleSymphony Pops, the Colorado Pops Orchestra, and the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall. The band’srigorous touring schedule and reputation for excellence has earned it the title “America’s Big Band.”

For additional information about the Jazz Ambassadors’ performance in Oxford, please contact the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts Box Office at 662-915-7411.