The U.S. Army Field Band's Jazz Ambassadors entertained a near-capacity audience Monday evening with a stirring musical performance at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center (NPAC).

One of three touring components of the U.S. Army Field Band, the 19-member Jazz Ambassadors brought to Greeneville the polished sound of a Big Band ensemble .

The performance featured musical selections by greats of American music including Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Charlie "Bird" Parker, Cole Porter, George and Ira Gershwin, Henry Mancini and more.

The performance began with the National Anthem after the colors were posted by the color guard from the Greeneville High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps unit.

Gregg Jones, co-publisher of The Greeneville Sun, welcomed the audience on behalf of the newspaper, the sponsor of the concert.

"To say that these times are challenging would be an understatement," Jones said. "It is times like these that define character and requires us to do whatever it takes to get beyond our struggles. It is also time to hang together and to take advantage of every small opportunity that we can.

"It is for that reason that The Greeneville Sun jumped at the opportunity to offer this performance to you tonight. To buoy your spirits, we hope. To show our affection for you. To demonstrate that we are absolutely committed to you and to the welfare of this community. And to celebrate the blessings of living in this wonderful community and this wonderful nation as we listen to some really great music," Jones said.

He then recognized Gold Star Mothers Louise Rippetoe and Mary Malone who were seated in the front row of the audience. Both lost sons during the Vietnam War. Another Gold Star Mother, Kelli Read, was unable to attend.

He also thanked the members of the Greeneville Pilot Club for preparing food for the Jazz Ambassadors and Greeneville High School band members Samantha Grissom, Brock Jones and Tyler Rasnake for performing a number with the Jazz Ambassadors.

Directed by Chief Warrant Officer Gordon K. Kippola, who served as master of ceremonies, the Jazz Ambassadors demonstrated their musical versatility during the 90-minute performance.

Musical selections ran the gamut from Dixieland jazz to Big Band swing to an arrangement by Staff Sgt. Paul White of the popular James Taylor song "Mexico," that featured the singing of Master Sgt. Marva Lewis, the band's vocalist.

Master Sgt. Lewis also sang as the band accompanied her in performance of "If I Were a Bell" from the musical "Guys and Dolls;" "Someone to Watch Over Me;" "How High the Moon" and "God Bless America."

Drawing extra applause from the audience was a Dixieland performance in which four of the band members -- on trumpet, trombone, clarinet and banjo -- paraded up and down the aisles of the NPAC in New Orleans-style while playing a high-energy tune.

The Jazz Ambassadors recognized local military veterans in the audience while playing an "Armed Forces Salute" that featured the anthems of the five branches of the U.S. armed forces.

As each service's tune was played, veterans of that service were asked to stand and be recognized.

At least six World War II veterans who were seated in the audience also were recognized for their service to the nation.

The Jazz Ambassadors ended their performance with "God Bless America," which the audience members joined in singing while standing.

After performing "God Bless America," the Jazz Ambassador invited Greeneville High School band members Samantha Grissom, Brock Jones and Tyler Rasnake to the stage to join them in an encore number -- the Glenn Miller Orchestra's "In the Mood."

Sponsored by The Greeneville Sun and the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, the Jazz Ambassadors' performance was free.

Audience members were asked to donate canned food or other food staples to benefit the Food Bank operated by Greeneville-Greene County Community Ministries.

Asked last week why food was being solicited for the Food Bank, Jones said, "The needs are so great this year for folks in our community, and we felt like this would be a great way for folks, with any kind of circumstances, to help others. You may bring one can or many -- all will be appreciated."