The Band of the Nation's Capital performing traditional military concert for the public June 6 and June 7

WASHINGTON, DC (05/15/2015)(readMedia)-- The Band of the Nation's Capital will perform "The Spirit of the District of Columbia," a military tattoo, at the D.C. National Guard Armory on two days at 3 p.m. June 6 and 7. Performances are open to the general public.

WHAT: "The Spirit of the District of Columbia" military tattoo

WHO: 257th Army Band

WHEN: June 6 & 7 (Saturday/Sunday) 3 p.m.

WHERE: DC Armory, 2001 E Capitol Street SE

Washington DC 20003

Stadium Armory – Orange/Blue Metro Line

TICKETING: Free ticketing for priority seating available through https://257armybandsodc.eventbrite.com

INFORMATION: facebook.com/257ArmyBand

The tattoo will feature patriotic, ceremonial, and popular performances by the 257th Army Ceremonial Band, the Brigadier Brass, Capital Messengers, and Capital Sound. Special Guest performers will include New Guard America and the Northern Virginia Firefighters' Emerald Society Pipe Band.

The 257th will perform an arrangement of Jimmie Dodd's "Washington", the winner of the Washington Post's 1950s contest for the composition of an official song for the District of Columbia. Pack the family and prepare for spirited and uplifting music, a program that will be enjoyed by people of all ages.

A special invitation is extended to area veterans and those currently serving in our Armed Forces. The band always pays special tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform.

"The Band of the Nation's Capital" is a unit of the District of Columbia Army National Guard. The band boasts a proud lineage going back to the organizational lineage and association with the legendary Corcoran Cadets, the DC militia that inspired John Philip Sousa to compose his march of the same name. Noteworthy performances include musical support for the first inauguration of President Obama, performances in Greece, Jamaica, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Panama, consecutive appearances at the Great American Brass Band Festival and concert tours throughout New England, Texas and the Mid-Atlantic. Although centrally located among the finest military bands in the world, the 257th is officially recognized as "The Band of the Nation's Capital".

The District of Columbia National Guard is closer to the heart of America than any other military organization in the country. It is unique in that it is the only National Guard activated by the president for war-time deployment or civil emergencies. The DC National Guard has been defending the nation's capital for hundreds of years and its units are continuously deploying throughout the globe in support of US military operations.