US NAVY BAND SEA CHANTERS

Established in 1935, the United States Navy Band is the premier musical organization of the United States Navy, presenting 6,000 performances across the United States and around the world, typically traveling to more than 40 countries. 

United States Navy Band Sea Chanters  photo: public domain

This past Wednesday night the Sea Chanters performed at the Yuma Civic Center in Yuma, Arizona.  This was one of 14 concerts in 16 days that took the group through Southern California, Arizona and Nevada as part of their 2018 National Tour.   

Tickets were required but were provided FREE to the public.  If you plan on attending one of their concerts I suggest arriving early.  I arrived 45 minutes early only to find a massive line that extended from the front door all the way back to the parking lot. 

The Sea Chanters traveling group was 20 voices strong, mixed with equal men and women, and accompanied by electric/string bass, piano and percussion. 

I had not seen Sea Chanters in concert before so I wasn’t sure what to expect but they had me from the opening number “Circle of Life” from “The Lion King.”   

“Haul Away Joe”, “If I Were A Blackbird” and “Wade in the Water” followed.   As the evening progressed so did the musical style.  The keyboard talent of Chief Musician Caroline Evans was highlighted with an outstanding instrumental rendition of “Riverdance.” 

Chief Musician Caroline Evans, US Navy Sea Chanters   photo: public domain

Next up was a 7 member vocal ensemble presenting “Take On Me/Video Killed The Radio Star.”   This was followed by a five man ensemble singing “Leading Men Don’t Dance.”

Not to be outdone, the female quartet calling themselves “Navy Blue” stepped up for a simply stunning version of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” 

One of my favorites of the evening was a five song medley they simply titled “Men of Motown.” The five man ensemble presented five different Motown tunes, one by each of the five men, while the four backup singers enhanced the presentation with all of the classic Motown moves that we came to love with such greats as “The Four Tops” and “The Temptations.”  

Next, a switch to Broadway with “Seasons of Love” from “Rent” and the classic "525,600 minutes". It was fantastic.

The mood then begins to change again with “Eternal Father”, followed by “Oh America/Color Me America”.  Wrapping up the show was the “Armed Forces on Parade” honoring the veterans present, each standing as their branch was introduced. This portion brought tears to my eyes. 

After a standing ovation, an encore of a 1960’s medley was presented.  It didn't have a title and I’m not sure how many songs they did but my guess is 10-12. It was just so fun as this was my generation music. 

The entire evening is what music is all about.  I once had a teacher tell me “If it doesn’t evoke emotion then what good is it?”  I have never forgotten those words and the performance by the Sea Chanters struck a cord with every song.  Feelings of faith, comfort, fun and above all - patriotism and pride for living in the greatest country in the world.  

Whether performing at Carnegie Hall, the White House or a little rural civic auditorium in Yuma, Arizona; sharing the stage with Ernest Borgnine, Itzhak Perlman, Branford Marsalis or Vince Gill, or appearing on television programs like “Today”, “Meet the Press” and “Good Morning America” and in films like “Clear and Present Danger”, the United States Navy Band is constantly reaffirming why they are “The World’s Finest.”  Definitely a must see if you are anywhere close to a concert venue. 

You can sign up online to be placed on their concert mailing list.  You will be glad you did.