University of Rhode Island Celebrates R.I. Navy Week

The University of Rhode Island will host a concert featuring the Navy Band Northeast’s Pops Ensemble Wednesday, May 27 at 7 p.m. as part of its celebration of Rhode Island Navy Week 2015.

The performance will take place in URI’s Fine Arts Center, 105 Upper College Road, Kingston. Other events will be taking place across Rhode Island to celebrate Navy Week. The concert is free and open to the public.

Under the direction of Lt. Gregory Fritz, Navy Band Northeast’s Pops Ensemble is a concert band that performs a wide variety of musical styles, including traditional band favorites, popular standards and patriotic tunes. Whether performing for an outdoor summer concert series or a holiday concert in December, the pops ensemble provides musical entertainment for audiences of all ages. Navy Band Northeast ensembles perform more than 500 engagements annually, personifying the quality and professionalism of today's Navy and instilling pride and patriotism during each and every performance.

“An event like this helps us build on an already strong relationship between Naval Station Newport and URI,” Fritz said. “Programs like this help students and other members of the community become aware of different opportunities in the Navy, including the option of being a musician. We look forward to a great evening of music and fun that will also highlight the exceptional work the Navy and URI accomplish together to improve Rhode Island, the nation and the world.”

URI President David M. Dooley agreed that the collaboration between URI and the Navy benefits a wide range of institutions and individuals.

“Navy Week, and in particular this concert, are celebrations that help us mark the innovation, collaboration and outreach found in the combined work of the U.S. Navy and the University,” Dooley said. “Through the Navy’s commitment to our students, faculty and alumni, we have collaborated in such fields as ocean acoustics, atmospheric chemistry and meteorology, ocean engineering, electrical and computer engineering and many more. And as Lt. Fritz so aptly put it, there are great opportunities for our music students in the Navy as well. So, please join us for a great night in celebration of the Navy and URI.”

Attached to the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Navy Band Northeast regularly tours its 11-state area of responsibility, allowing the band to reach audiences in areas that do not have opportunities to see the Navy at work on a regular basis. The concerts are family-friendly events, meant to be entertaining to veterans, families, individuals and those interested in joining the Navy.

For more information about Navy Band Northeast, visit www.cnic.navy.mil/NavyBandNortheast <http://www.cnic.navy.mil/NavyBandNortheast> or go to Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/pages/Navy-Band-Northeast/118886328121486?fref=ts> .  For an interview or more information about the tour, contact Colleen Shifflett of Navy Band Northeast Public Affairs at (401) 841-7181 or via email at colleen.shifflett@navy.mil <mailto:colleen.shifflett@navy.mil> .