West Springfield, Mass.—This fall, stars and stripes are alight at Eastern States Exposition (ESE), home of The Big E, in honor of America’s semi quincentennial. ESE announces special performances by the 215th Army Band on the Court of Honor Stage, sponsored by MattressFirm. See the Official Party Band, a Rock performance, at 2pm on Sept. 30, then catch The Minuteman Brass Band’s Jazz concert at 2pm on Oct. 1. This venue hosts four daily shows at 12, 2, 5 and 8pm that are free with the price of admission during The Big E, Sept. 18 through Oct. 4.

The 215th Army Band of the Massachusetts National Guard is one of our nation’s premier military musical ensembles. For more than 60 years, this exceptional group of citizen-soldiers has entertained audiences across New England and around the world, delivering powerful performances that tell the Army story.

They began their musical pursuits in Boston, Mass., in 1950. The original band consisted of just 14 members and a hope to spread the Army story through the joy of music. In 1974, the band relocated to Fall River, Mass., and transitioned from the Army Air Forces to the U.S. Army National Guard. They remain there to this day. In 1993, the 26th Yankee Division Band merged with the 215th Army Band, adopting both group’s rich lineage and expanding their sound. As of 2026, the 215th Army Band are proud members of the 79th Troop Command of Massachusetts Army National Guard.

The Official Party Band will kick off the fun with a production on Sept. 30 featuring Classic Rock and Pop covers and even modern hits. They deliver the energy of a live Rock band to community events, festivals and concert stages throughout Massachusetts. While their sound differs from that of a traditional military band, their mission remains the same: connect with audiences, represent the U.S. Army and use music to unite.

The Minuteman Brass Band is the 215th Army Band’s New Orleans-style Jazz ensemble, bringing the spirit, energy and attitude of the Crescent City to audiences throughout New England, much like The Big Parade, The Big E’s daily Mardi Gras Parade at 6pm. Built around the powerful sound of brass, percussion and rhythm, the Minuteman Brass Band puts its own spin on Jazz standards, New Orleans classics and modern Funk favorites.

From second-line grooves and swinging Jazz staples to the infectious rhythm of Funk, this band is kinetic, interactive and offers a sound that is hard to sit still through. No matter where they perform, they bring the party with them, under the direction of CW4 Stephen Martins and First Sergeant Amaranth Cole.

Both groups are proud to be part of the 215th Army Band’s long tradition of serving soldiers and communities through music, and they’re always ready to turn up the volume when the mission calls.

Interested in serving as a musician in the Army National Guard? Come talk to either group about joining the 215th Army Band following their performance.

Celebrate this most monumental birthday of The United States of America at The Big E with the Find the members of the 215th Army Band, Sept 30. and Oct. 1. For more details on their performance, see their website and follow them on  Facebook and Instagram. Find more entertainment information, follow The Big E on social media or head to TheBigE.com.