Free virtual Marine Corps New Year’s Eve concert slated
BRIDGEPORT — COVID-19 canceled many things in 2020 including the annual October U.S. Marine Corps Band concert at the Klein Memorial Auditorium.
But listeners will be able to hear them anyway at a free virtual concert on the Klein’s website as 2020 finally fades out.
“This marked the first time in 31 years we did not have our annual Vincent Vizzo Concert during Columbus Day weekend,” said Christopher Caruso, an officer with the Greater Bridgeport Council of Italian American Societies. “We wanted to keep the tradition going and we’re glad they were able to put together a virtual concert for us.”
The hour-long concert will be displayed virtually at 7 p.m. Dec. 31. Those wishing to view it must register in advance on THEKLEIN.org.
“Traditionally, the free two-day concert has been one of our most popular events,” Caruso said. “We love having them perform in person and hopefully that will happen next October. For now, this is the next best thing.”
Staff Sgt. Aaron Carpenter said the concert will move easily from one ensemble to another.
“That’s called a prism concert,” said Carpenter, who is the band’s enlisted conductor. “We are go ing to start off with our ceremonial band then move to the brass quintets, then back to the ceremonial band, the brass quintet again followed by our New Orleans Jazz band. We’ll end with the ceremonial band.”
He said the music will include marches, jazz, blues and even a traditional holiday song or two.
“I think people will enjoy it,” he said.
Carpenter said it was a disappointment not being able to play in Bridgeport this year. Beside the Friday and Saturday evening concerts at the Klein, the band traditionally performed in the annual Columbus Day Parade.
“My wife, Heather (Paradise) is from Redding, so it would have been fun to come back to the area,” he said. “We do plan on being there next year but that all depends on the pandemic.”