LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Swing Into the Twilight Tribute to the Troops Concert July 16


The Big Band of Rossmoor will play on July 16 at the Twilight Tribute to the Troops. Photo provided

To honor local veterans and military personnel, the Lafayette Rotary Club is hosting its annual free Tribute to the Troops event at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at the Lafayette Reservoir.

The renowned 32-piece Big Band of Rossmoor - with musicians aged 14 to 93 - will provide a toe-tapping mix of music to entertain active troops as well as veterans and soldiers' families and recognize their service. Each branch of the military will be honored with its song and American flags will be distributed to veterans or their families

This year, ABC news anchor Dan Ashley will be the Master of Ceremonies and the Shakey Zimmerman Acoustic Trio will be special guests, with songs by Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

The patriotic evening is more than just a concert; it will feature military vehicles from the Department of Defense along with historic Jeeps and a Mobile Vet Center, with onsite counseling on veterans' benefits and healthcare, finances, education and housing.

Grab some lawn chairs, a blanket and a picnic and prepare for an evening of American melodies at the stage near the kids play area on the east side of the Lafayette Reservoir. The name has changed from last year's Operation Swingtime, but the experience should be just as memorable. The public is invited to this free event. The Big Band of Rossmoor is presented by Generations in Jazz.