To celebrate American Independence Day, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has revealed further details about the debut of The United States Army Field Band, who will perform on the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade this August.
The band, known worldwide as the Musical Ambassadors of the US Army, and 81 of these musicianswill bringa diverse and dynamic fusion of traditional and contemporary music to their much-anticipated performance for the 5th – 27th August run.
For their first ever performance at the Tattoo, members of the Concert Band, Soldiers’ Chorus, Jazz Ambassadors, and newly added rap artists will be performing.
Audiences will be treated to the best of Americana by the band with iconic music including classic pop and indie rock hits that will entertain Tattoo fans of all ages. Staff Sergeants, Lamar Riddick and Nicholas Feemster, will make their Field Band debuts with the Tattoo, bringing rap to the United States Department of Defence and the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for the first time ever.
The Band was formed in 1946 as a way for America to connect to the Army and share their stories while honouring all of the brave soldiers and veterans. This year, the band’s female vocalists’ will pay tribute to original members of the band through their costumes which have been inspired by the iconic look and fashions of the Andrews Sisters – an American close harmony singing group of the swing and boogie-woogie eras.
Performers from The United States Army Field Band recently featured on “Soundtrack of the American Soldier,” whose production team won the Immersive Audio Album at the 63rd Grammy Awards held in March 2022.
Fellow American performers The United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, who are the official ceremonial unit of the Air Force, will also return to the Esplanade with their dynamic display of precision and skill from one of America’s top display teams.
Michael Braithwaite, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “It’s always a delight to welcome performers to the Tattoo for the first time. And when it’s one of the finest US military bands in existence, direct from Washington DC, then I know our audiences are in for a real treat.
“The US Army Field Band have wowed audiences across the USA for many years and have now put together a brand-new performance just for Edinburgh. They are world renowned for their exceptional music and visual displays and we can’t wait to see them live on the Castle Esplanade.”
This year’s Tattoo performance is called Voices and will be a celebration of expression, giving a stage to performers and acts to share their voice. Voices draws inspiration from people across the globe who, despite physical separation, continue to connect and share their voices creatively through spoken word, song, music, and dance – languages common to all.
Sergeant Major Erica Russo, Director of Operations, of The United States Army Field Band, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to be invited to perform at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this year. We are immensely proud and excited to be able to represent the United States of America on such a tremendous international stage.
“Our performance this year is truly presenting the very best of Americana. We’re playing a huge range of music from Leonard Bernstein to modern pop favorites, as well as the extremely exciting inaugural performance of the Department of Defence’s first dedicated rap artists.
“Everyone who attends the Tattoo this year will be able to connect with and enjoy one of the musical elements of our performance and we just cannot wait to get out there on the Esplanade!”
Almost 900 performers from across the globe will take part in in this year’s Tattoo, bringing with them extraordinary music, dance, and performance talents. There will be vivid and exciting acts from Mexico, The United States, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, along with homegrown talent from the UK. Military personnel will continue to play a central role in the performance, with the Army as the lead Service this year.
Audiences can expect to hear the skirl of the Massed Pipes and Drums that will echo around the Esplanade as part of Voices, supported by Tattoo Pipes and Drums, Tattoo Dance Company, Tattoo Fiddlers, and musicians from a number of UK Military Bands.
The Show will run from 5-27 August 2022. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.