Free April 1 concert to honor military families

“Freedom: Celebrating the Military Family,” a free musical tribute to members of the U.S. armed forces and their families, will be presented at 3 p.m., April 1, in the University Center Building La Sala Ballroom at Arizona State University’s West campus. The campus is at 4701 W. Thunderbird Road in Phoenix.

ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, the core college on the West campus, is sponsoring the performance.

The concert is performed by Desert Overture, a 50-member LGBT community concert band under the direction of artistic director Scott Helms.

“This performance is designed to honor the servicemen and women and the military families who have sacrificed so much for our country,” Helms said. “From integration of minorities and the increasingly important role of women to the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ our armed forces are helping to shape a world of liberty, unity and acceptance. The April 1 concert will be a musical outpouring of appreciation, patriotism, and pride in America that you won’t want to miss.”

Selections will include “Armed Forces Salute,” “America the Beautiful,” “American Fanfare,” and a special tribute to wounded soldiers, veterans, and MIA/KIA/POWs (missing in action, killed in action, and prisoners of war). “There also will be selections throughout the program paying tribute to service members past and present who have protected our freedom and civil liberties while helping to shape the Armed Forces into a cohesive, all-inclusive organization despite their own personal trials, hardships, and sacrifices,” Helms said.

There is no admission charge for the concert. Voluntary contributions will be accepted to help Desert Overture continue its tradition of free public concerts. Formed in 2010, the organization promotes awareness and acceptance of the LGBT community to the citizens of Arizona. It is dedicated to improving the artistry and musicianship of its members and educating the greater community through concerts and other community events.

For more information, contact Eric Bullen at ebullen68@yahoo.com.