The 440th Army Band will give a free performance on the Tryon Palace South Lawn overlooking the Trent River in downtown New Bern Sunday, July 3. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m.
The 440th Army Band has served as North Carolina's National Guard Band under several designations since the early 1900s. The band was activated in World War II as the 30th Infantry Division Band along with the rest of the North Carolina National Guard as the "Old Hickory Division."
The band performs for troops and their families and for the citizens of North Carolina at ceremonies, public concerts, and parades. The band has earned numerous awards including Outstanding North Carolina National Guard unit and the Eisenhower trophy three times as an outstanding Army unit.
In 2016, the 440th Army Band received its sixth Commander. The 440th Army Band is now commanded by Chief Warrant Officer IV Mark B. Cummings. Cummings has retired from his career and now teaches ballroom dancing along with commanding the 440th Army Band.
The public can bring chairs and blankets, but pets and alcoholic beverages are not permitted.