News Release

Two Special Evening Programs At Rocky Mountain National Park Over The Memorial Day Weekend

Naval Band Northwest

Courtesy Photo

News Release Date: May 21, 2019

Contact: Kyle Patterson, Public Affairs Officer, [phone]

Contact: Park Information, [phone]

Join us for two special Memorial Day Weekend evening programs on May 25 and May 26, at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center auditorium in Rocky Mountain National Park.

On Saturday, May 25 at 7 p.m. join park ranger Steven Lambert for Rocky Rocks. The story of Rocky’s rocks is the foundation on which all the wonders we see are built: the mountain peaks, valleys, lakes, forests, wildlife, weather and people.

On Sunday, May 26 at 7 p.m. join the Naval Band Northwest Woodwind Quintet for an evening of inspirational patriotic music to commemorate Memorial Day. The group is comprised of flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and French horn. They perform many different musical styles, including classical, patriotic marches, contemporary, and much more for official military ceremonies and patriotic events throughout the United States.

Navy Band Northwest traces its history to 1925 where it was unofficially known as the Third Battalion, U.S. Naval Reserve Forces, and 13th Naval District Band. In 1944, a group of Sailors from various ratings formed a band at Naval Air Station (NAS) Seattle at Sand Point to welcome home the Hellcat Fighter Squadron of Carrier Aircraft Support Unit 7. In honor of the fighter squadron returning from combat operations in the South Pacific, the band became known thereafter as the Hellcat Band.

The band moved to Naval Air Station Seattle at Sand Point in the fall of 1970 where its name was changed to Northwest Navy Band. Throughout the years Navy Band Northwest has built a reputation of excellence and is widely known for exceptional musical performances attending nearly 500 engagements each year. The 35 rated Navy Musicians are called upon today to perform in various musical units including the Ceremonial and Parade Bands, Popular Music Group, Brass Band, Brass Quintet, woodwind chamber groups, and a Protocol Jazz Combo.  Navy Band Northwest is under the leadership of its Director, Lieutenant Bruce Mansfield, and falls operationally under the command of Rear Admiral Gary Mayes, Commander, Navy Region Northwest.

This program is free and open to the public. Space is limited. For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at [phone].