Summer concert series begins at National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico

Marine Corps Heritage Foundation will launch its annual Summer Concert Series for the fifth year next Thursday, July 17, ,with a performance by the U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps and Silent Drill Platoon, at 7:30 pm at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle.

The famed Silent Drill Platoon is a 24-person rifle platoon that executes a drill exhibition without a word, exemplifying the precision and discipline emblematic of the Marine Corps.  The Foundation expects this to be a popular event and encourages fans to arrive early and carpool if possible because parking space will be limited. 

Also scheduled on the Foundation’s Summer Musical menu will be performances by renowned Elvis impersonator Michael Hoover, the Commordores Jazz Ensemble, and the Quantico Marine Corps Band. 

Hoover’s concert, scheduled for July 24, will be his second performance at the NMMC after entertaining a large outdoor crowd in 2013.  His uncanny similar physical features to the legendary Elvis Presley, coupled with his renditions of such Elvis hits as “Don’t Be Cruel,” “You Ain’t Nothin’ but a Hound Dog,” and “Love Me Tender” allows the audience to journey back to yesteryear when “The King” dominated radio air waves. 

Performing at the Museum on Aug. 14 will be the U.S. Navy’s premier jazz ensemble - the Commodores.  Not to be confused with the 1970’s Lionel Richie-led disco band of the same name, this 18-member group performs an eclectic mix of traditional big band music, exciting jazz vocal arrangements as well as fresh new instrumental music.  Since its inception in 1969, the Commodores have featured such guest artists as Ray Charles, Branford Marsalis, Clark Terry and Grover Washington Jr. 

Wrapping up the 2014 Summer Concert Series will be the Quantico Marine Corps Band, scheduled to perform on Aug. 28.  Featuring one officer and 50 enlisted Marines, this ensemble has built a reputation of playing exciting, patriotic music the entire family can enjoy. 

All summer concert events are scheduled 7:30-9 p.m. and are free and open to the public.  No tickets are required.  Families and friends are invited to bring chairs or blankets to enjoy the live, outdoor entertainment.  Outdoor concessions will be available.  The Museum will remain open until the start of the concert.  The performance will be held outside, rain or shine, or delayed in the event of severe weather.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is located at 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway in Triangle, VA. and is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.daily except Christmas Day.  Admission and parking are free.  For more information,  call 703 784-6107 or go to http://www.usmcmuseum.org