Tonight we were entertained along with several hundred others by the Coast Guard Dixieland Jazz Band at the Navy Memorial in Washington, DC. Senior Chief and virtuoso clarinetist Andy Sherwood leads this talented group that also includes trombonist Ben Griffin, Ian Frankel on keyboard, bassist Mark McCormick, drummer Chris Smith, and Tom Brown on trumpet. Tonight Tom Brown took a break and we were surprised and honored to have CAPT Lew Buckley who retired 5 years ago as the band director fill in. Lew started this ensemble in the 1970's and tonight's reunion was exquisite. Picking up his trumpet, CAPT Buckley and Senior Chief led the group through all the traditional favorites eliciting cheers from the crowd and gaining fans from those passing by. Check them out at http://www.uscg.mil/band/dixieland.asp.
As we remember our heritage and reflect on this important day let us also remember that our lives are enriched by our music, art, literature, and culture. Two new books are out that cover very different parts of our history. Check out Dennis Noble's, "Captain "Hell Roaring" Mike Healy: From American Slave to Arctic Hero" (University Press of Florida) or David Helvarg's "Rescue Warriors: The U.S. Coast Guard, America's Forgotten Heroes" (Thomas Dunne Books). They are the latest additions on my bookshelf.
If you have reviews or comments on art, music, or literature related to the Coast Guard let us hear from you.
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