July 4th Concert Series Published June 25, 2009 By SSgt Anne Epperly USAF Heritage of America Band 25 June 2009 -- The Heritage of America Concert Band will present its annual Independence Day concert series July 1st through 4th under the direction of Major Scott Guidry from the United States Air Force Band in Washington, DC. Featured on the program will be two sets of songs paying tribute to Ella Fitzgerald. Born in Newport News in 1917, she had a rather rough childhood but managed to elevate herself to become the "First Lady of Song," and one of the most influential jazz artists of the 20th century. Our own Staff Sergeant Natalie Madison will front the band, performing transcriptions of songs that Fitzgerald became known for throughout her career: Johnny Mercer's "Something's Gotta Give," Romberg and Hammerstein's "Lover Come Back to Me," Rogers and Hart's "The Lady is a Tramp," and George and Ira Gershwin's "S'Wonderful." Other highlights on the program will be several Sousa marches, a patriotic sing-a-long, and Tchaikowsky's 1812 Overture. For performance times and venues, please see our Appearances Calendar.