What better way to welcome you back than with a band! We are pleased to announce that we will have not one, but two bands perform concerts on our historic grounds this summer. Bring a lawn chair, a picnic and dust off your dance shoes as we bring back music to the Armory. Both concerts will take place outside of the Commandant’s House.
On June 11 at 1pm, West Mass Brass will perform patriotic and military tunes with an afternoon performance. West Mass Brass started in September 2014. Brass brass band enthusiasts, music majors, music teachers and students all came together to play music in the British brass band tradition. Band members come from all over Western Massachusetts and Southern Connecticut to share their love of music.
On Saturday, July 16 at 6pm, Bad News Jazz and Blues Orchestra will perform at our annual Big Band concert. Led by Jeff Gavioli, Bad News Jazz and Blues Orchestra is a 19 piece orchestra that has been performing since 2012, playing swing music from the 1930’s and 1940’s.
Park Ranger Susan Ashman, explained the historical connection between Springfield Armory NHS and Big Band music. In 1943 Benny Goodman and his band came to the Armory as part of his nationwide Twilight Tours. Goodman made a point to play to war workers like those at the Springfield Armory as a thank you for their dedication and patriotism. The Armory workers were essential in the manufacturing of firearms for the military during WWII.
Springfield Armory National Historic Site is the location of the nation’s first armory(1794 - 1968) and was established by George Washington. The Museum is open Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30am-4:00pm. For further information call (413) 734-8551, check the website at www.nps.gov/spar or www.facebook.com/sparnhs
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
