WELDON — The United States Navy Fleet Forces Jazz Ensemble will perform a holiday concert in the Roanoke Valley on Tuesday, Dec. 15. The event is free and begins at 7 p.m.

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“Basically we’ve had military orchestras in the past,” says Joanne Jolly, administrative assistant for The Centre at Halifax Community College. “This is actually the first time since I’ve been working here the Navy has come.”

Ensemble leader Chief Roy Brown promises a fun mix of musical styles for the show. “It is definitely going to be mostly jazz versions,” Brown stated, “some Latin stuff as well as more contemporary tunes.”

Brown, who has led the group for two years, says it won’t just be the orchestra this time. “We also have a vocalist with us,” he pointed out. “She’ll be doing a nice little version of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.’ It’s a lot of fun.”

“I was trying to have a holiday show for the community,” Jolly said. “I was hoping it could be a free holiday concert that the whole family could enjoy and I thought it would be a good idea to try to get one of the military orchestras to come. They usually give such a magnificent performance that you’re never disappointed.”

Once Jolly decided she wanted one of our military orchestras, the issue became choosing one. Rather than put herself through that, she sent out applications to all of them.

“The Navy gave me a response and expressed availability,” Jolly stated. 

As for the Tuesday date, Jolly says that’s also a matter of logistics as well. “From what I’ve seen in the past, it seemed mid-week was a little easier for them,” Jolly insisted.

This will be the Navy group’s first trip to Halifax during Brown’s tenure as band leader and he’s not sure if they’ll return anytime soon. “You better come out and catch us,” Brown insisted, “because you don’t know when the next time will be.”

“I’m just hoping everyone will have an opportunity to come out and enjoy themselves,” Jolly said, “and hopefully kick off their Christmas season with a show the whole family can come out and enjoy.”

“Come prepared to have a great time with some fun music,” Brown shared. “We’ve got some excellent soloists in the band we’ll be featuring. It’s just a great night of holiday music just before the Christmas week.”

Anyone seeking more information can call 252-538-4336 or 252-536-2551. In addition to the college, tickets will be available at The Daily Herald offices at 916 Roanoke Ave.  Tickets are free, but there is a limit of five per household.