Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will host the U.S. Navy Commodores Jazz Band Saturday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center on Ouachita’s campus as part of the band’s national tour. Free tickets to the event are available at the JPAC Box Office.



The Navy Commodores Jazz Band, led by Senior Chief Musician Philip Burlin, is an 18-member group that has been performing big band jazz for more than 40 years. The group, originating in Washington D.C., is considered the Navy’s premiere jazz ensemble.

“The Commodores Jazz Band is one of the best jazz bands in the world,” said Dr. Craig Hamilton, OBU’s Lena Goodwin Trimble Professor of Music and director of bands. “It is not often we get to hear world class musicians in concert for free.”

According to a Navy Band press release, the group’s style ranges from sounds of the swing era to contemporary high-energy music. Over the years, they have performed with top jazz artists including Ray Charles, Grover Washington and James Moody.

“I hope everyone will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity,” Hamilton added.

For more information, contact the School of Fine Arts at (870) 245-5129 or the JPAC Box Office at (870) 245-5555 or [email protected]. The box office is open weekdays from 1-5 p.m.

By Devan Malone