Next Wednesday, the United States Air Force Band of the West will make a stop in Lake Charles on the Fourth of July Concert Tour to celebrate Independence Day.

The award-winning USAF Band of the West that “represents the excellence displayed by Airmen stationed around the globe” will perform a free concert at 6 p.m. on July 3 at the Rosa Hart Theatre.

The band was formed in 1941 under the moniker Air Force Band, and has served the United States through music for decades. After a few moves, it was relocated to its current location, San Antonio, in 1947. The band assumed official status in May 1997. Then, it was renamed the USAF Band of the West.

The USAF Band of the West’s area of responsibility is the majority of the South – from Texas to Georgia- said Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Johnson, USAF Band of the West publicity section chief.

“We make an effort to catch every community and region as often as we can.”

Though the band has frequented Lake Charles, this is the first time they have made a stop in about five years. The USAF Band of the West is always happy to visit the City because of the area’s military support, he explained.

“We have a great community and great support in Lake Charles and we want to thank them for all the community has done for us over the years.”

Fourth of July events like the “patriotic musical extravaganza” that the band will bring to the stage nurture a universal culture of patriotic celebration.

“The importance of this is to give everyone an opportunity to relish in the patriotism and the beauty that is the United States of America,” he said. “We want to bring a little bit of that inspiration and honor the country that’s given us so much.”

Audiences can expect about an hour and a half of energetic and diverse musical performances, from jazz to Hollywood classics to fresh compositions. He highlighted that pieces by John Williams and John Phillips Sousa will be performed.

The concert is free and open to the public. Tickets can be snagged ahead of time online on Eventbrite if preferred, but are not necessary.

“We’ll make space for everybody,” Johnson said.

On Thursday, July 4, the USAF Band of the West will perform at 7:15 p.m. in New Caney, TX at the “4th Fest on the Hill.”