‘Celebrate America’ with patriotic music
Col. John R. Bourgeois, the venerable director emeritus of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band — with a notable career spanning nine presidential administrations — returns to Avon Hall in the Town of Washington on July 5 to once again lead the “Celebrate America” concert.
At nearly 91, Bourgeois is on a mission not just to conduct his band, a monumental task in and of itself in the July heat, but to share stories, salute 250 years of military legacy and share his love of band music with Rappahannock County.
“I spent 40 years leading the greatest band in the country, and I’ve obviously tried to advance bands and band music, so I thought Rappahannock is a perfect place for a continuum of that,” Bourgeois said. “And I need a vacation from retirement.”
The free concert — originally hosted in Castleton before moving to Avon Hall for the past eight years — will feature a variety of pieces including a unique arrangement of “Yankee Doodle,” “America” and “Esprit de Corps,” a composition dedicated to Bourgeois and the Marine Band. This year’s theme is the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States Army as well as the United States Marine Corps.
The concert will also feature acclaimed jazz clarinetist Doreen Ketchens, coming from New Orleans to perform for the third year in a row. Mezzo-soprano singer Sarah Sheffield will return this year as well.
Two special guests from Rappahannock will be honored — Joyce Abell and Marie Ridder — both of whom turned 100 years old this year. Bourgeois said a special rendition of “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby,” the number-one song in 1925, will be played. “We’ll honor the two 100-year-old babes,” Bourgeois said.
This will be the second year Bourgeois celebrates Rappahannock’s centenareans. Last year he honored former director of the FBI and CIA William Webster, a Rappahannock resident.
Ridder’s daughter, Stephanie Ridder, said her mother and Bourgeois have been friends for over 60 years, and the news that Ridder would be recognized at the concert was unexpected.
“She was very surprised,” Stephanie Ridder said. “But she’s totally excited.”
“I thought it was a great idea. You know, if you can reach 100, we’ve gotta say something,” Bourgeois said.
Bourgeois said he “exhorts everyone to come on out,” and if good music isn’t enough to convince you, New Iberia food truck, Quivéremont Winery and an ice cream truck will be on site.
Concertgoers can also bring a picnic, and are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.
