Tasked with more than marine safety and freedom, these combat-ready sailors, armed with microphones and some wicked dance moves, are on a mission to entertain.
Looking dapper and handsome in their whites, members of the U.S. Navy’s Sea Chanters brought the house down with their pitch perfect-medley of the “Jersey Boys.“
And it wasn’t an impromptu show, the Navy Sea Chanters are the official U.S. Navy band, the cream of the crop musicians, that performs scheduled concerts across the country.In 1956, Lt. Harold Fultz, then the U.S. Navy Band’s assistant leader, selected people from the United States Navy School of Music to sing chanteys and patriotic songs for the State of the Nation dinner. The band evolved, and named the official chorus of the U.S. Navy, the Sea Chanters–that added women to the ensemble in 1980–has a repertoire that includes classical to Broadway, and popular pop.
The Sea Chanters are one of six ensembles of the U.S. Navy Band, others that include the Concert Band, Ceremonial Band, Country Current, Commodores and Cruisers.
The band plays a pivotal role in lifting the spirit of the nation in times of mourning and celebration.
According to its website, “One hundred seventy enlisted musicians, recruited from the finest music schools and professional musical organizations, perform over 270 public concerts and 1,300 ceremonies each year.” The Navy Band entertains audiences “…from national concert tours to presidential inaugurals to memorial services at Arlington National Cemetery, the Navy Band proudly represents the men and women of the largest, most versatile, most capable naval force on the planet today: America’s Navy.”
This particular ensemble captured the hearts of the nation with its homage to Broadway’s Jersey Boys and features a catalog of hits like “Sherry Baby,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “Rag Doll.”
The original boy band of the 1960s, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons thrilled audiences with falsettos and tenors and perfect harmonies. “Jersey Boys” tells the story of the band’s formation, success and eventual break-up of 1960s rock n’ roll group The Four Seasons.
With the Navy Band supporting them in the background, the Sea Chanters wow audiences with their stunning vocals.
“Excellent performance by this team! Thank you all for your service!” writes on fan while another shares, “OMGOODNESS! Thank you for sharing your talent! Thank You, also, for your service!”
In July, they shared a show from the summer concert series featuring the classic Styx song, “Come Sail Away.” One follower praises their vocals, “Outstanding video!!! Vocals were fantastic. I loved it!!!” And another commends the flawless vocals of the lead singer, Danlie Cuenca: “Cool! Way to go Danlie Cuenca sounds amazing and when you all hit the first harmony!! Shew we it sends chills!!”
A third says, “Love Styx, and cannot say nothing but praise for the Navy band and Chorus. The Sea Chanters and of course, THE JERSEY BOYS.”
The U.S. Navy Bands are scheduled to perform across the U.S., so if you’re interested in catching a show, make sure you check out their schedule.
These men and win are absolutely fantastic! Not only do they serve their country but they use their rare talents to entertain and bring smiles to the people they work hard to protect every day.
Please share this story and show some love to the U.S. Navy Band!