Marine Band Blasts Washington
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
For those who expected John Phillip Sousa patriotic music or the singing of “America The Beautiful,” on Sunday at the Washington Elementary gymnasium, The Marine Reserve Ensemble Band provided something just as entertaining but entirely different.
Instead of brass, strings and horns,the Marine sergeants and corporals brought amplifiers and synthesizers that shook and pounded the 75-year-old stage.
The five-member group so thoroughly entertained their audience that 58 minutes later the 125 who attended the concert that featured 1970’s and 80’s Top 40 hits, were waving and saluting the performance with applause and miniature American flags
Lead vocalist and piano player Jordan Tolman took full command as the band covered Billy Joel, Journey, Elton John, Queen and Bruno Mars.
Bass player Julian Aaron, drummer Christian Granados, guitarist Giovani Jaurequi and backup singer Camden Betty rocked the hits that were popular 50 years ago with some in the audience.
Sponsored by American Legion Post 209 and the Town of Washington, the concert was advertised as Independence Day-inspired.
Many who attended were nevertheless wrapped in the 250th anniversary spirit, wearing red white and blue caps and shirts.
Representatives from the local Daughters Of The American Revolution attended as did many Washington residents.
Tolman told those in attendance there was perhaps an American theme embedded in the afternoon’s music after all, as the band ended with the uplifting message from Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.”
Mayor Dwight Landreneau said the town with the help of resident Catherine St. Cyr reached out to U.S. military officials to help the Post and Town secure military band artists for a July 4 weekend concert.
Post commander Dane St. Cyr hosted a post-concert reception at the Legion Hall after members of the post and town helped collect the chairs positioned in front of the stage.
Granados, who is from Los Angeles, said the Marines feature several different bands, orchestras and small ensembles to provide entertainment.
The ensemble that appeared in Washington and others have given concerts this year at Mardi Gras and at colleges, as a way of presenting a different side to Marine service, Granados added.
