Clinton Township – Making its debut tour of the United States, The Band of the Irish Guards and the Pipes, Drums and Dancers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland will lift your spirits with mesmerizing marches, sailor ballads and Irish folk songs at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts Saturday, February 6, at 8 p.m. For tickets call 586.286.2222.
There is a fine tradition in the British Army of bands providing musical support to troops on active service. It engenders a unique esprit de corps by performing morale-boosting performances for the troops. The Band of the Irish Guards is one such tradition. Formed in 1900 by Queen Victoria to commemorate the bravery of the Irish Regiments who had fought in the South African campaigns, the Band of the Irish Guards quickly gained a reputation for excellence.
Renown across the globe, the Band has toured extensively visiting Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Germany, Hong Kong, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Japan. It was in Japan where the band was accorded the unique honor of being the first band ever to play in the Imperial Palace in the presence of the Empress and the two Crown Princesses.
With a current establishment of 49 musicians the band has a variety of professional ensembles that include a Concert Band, Marching Band, Salon Orchestra, Dance Band, Fanfare Trumpeters and several other smaller ensembles. The band's main duty is to play, in turn with the other four Foot Guards Bands, for the Mounting of The Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace and for state ceremonial occasions and public duties such as Investitures, State Visits, Royal Weddings, Guards of Honor, Royal Garden Parties and, of course, The Queen's Birthday Parade.
This unprecedented event at the Macomb Center, presented by Columbia Artists, will feature the music of Wales, Ireland and Scotland, and Highland Scottish dancing. Over 80 performers will incorporate centuries of musical ceremonial tradition – an event to remember for a lifetime.
Ticket prices range from $17 to $60 with discounts available for students, senior citizens, military personnel (both active and retired with a valid military I.D.), and groups of 20 or more. Purchase tickets in person at the Macomb Center box office Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Friday 12 - 6 p.m. The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts is located on Macomb College's Center Campus at 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, Michigan 48038. Tickets and additional information, including a complete season schedule, are available online at www.MacombCenter.com or by calling 586.286.2222.
The Band of the Irish Guards is sponsored in part by DTE Foundation and the Macomb Center’s premiere sponsors for the 2009-2010 season AT&T, The Macomb Daily and National City.
About the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts
The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts is a community enrichment program of Macomb College dedicated to providing a diverse range of family-oriented cultural enrichment experiences. The Macomb Center presents high-quality professional performances, offers educational outreach in the arts and, in partnership with the adjacent Albert L. Lorenzo Cultural Center, creates unique opportunities for multifaceted cultural programming.
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Details-at-a-glance:
Columbia Artists Presents
The Band of the Irish Guards
And the Pipes, Drums and Dancers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland
Saturday, February 6, 8 p.m.
Macomb Center for the Performing Arts
44757 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township 48038
586.286.2222 | www.MacombCenter.com
Tickets: $17 to $60
Discounts available for students, seniors, military personnel, and groups of 20 or more
Media contact:
Sandy Hazelton-Pianko
586.226.4737
hazelton-piankos@macomb.edu