U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY BAND TO KICK OFF FREE CONCERT SERIES TONIGHT

Old Dominion University's "Three Thursdays in June" concert series begins Thursday, June 8, with a performance by the U.S. Naval Academy Band, the Navy's oldest musical organization.

Founded in 1852 with 13 members, the academy band features a roster of 64, many of whom are graduates of distinguished music schools and conservatories. Cmdr. Michael Alverson has been the band's leader since 1998.

All of the concerts will be at 7:30 p.m. on Kaufman Mall in front of Webb University Center. In case of rain, they will be held at the University Theatre in the Technology Building on Hampton Boulevard.

On June 15, the Great American Music Ensemble jazz orchestra, conducted by Doug Richards, will perform, and on June 22, associate conductor Wes Kenney will lead the Virginia Symphony in a program including works by Handel, Copland and Dvorak.

The concerts are free and open to the public. Concert-goers are advised to bring and blanket or lawn chair. Refreshments and picnic food will be on sale.

For more information, call the music department at 683-4061.