Navy Band Northeast Kicks-Off Fleet Week New York Festivities

NEW YORK (NNS) -- U.S. Navy Band Northeast's "Pops Ensemble" performed a free concert in front of the Brooklyn Central Public Library, May 18, kicking off 2015 Fleet Week New York (FWNY) festivities.

FWNY, now in its 27th year, runs May 20-26. The weeklong celebration is the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services, and an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

Under the direction of Lt. Gregory Fritz, Navy Band Northeast is one of 11 official bands in the United States Navy worldwide. The band featured a wide variety of musical styles including traditional concert band literature, pop, classical Broadway and patriotic favorites.

"There is nowhere in America that has such a diverse population as New York," said Fritz. "Fleet Week gives us an opportunity to connect with people from around the world and the people can connect with us. They get to see a side of the sea services that many have never had a chance to experience."

The band is comprised of 35 professional Navy musicians - several who are from the New York metropolitan area.

"It is so much fun to come back to the city," said Musician 2nd Class Laura Carey, a native of Hewlett, Long Island. "I grew up here and this city is rich in musical culture. As a child I had the chance to experience music from all around the world and now I have the opportunity to share in that culture while representing the Navy during Fleet Week New York."

"It's great to be able to do what I do in the Navy and perform in my city," said Musician 3rd Class James Dissinger, a native of Mineola, Long Island. "This is one of the highlights of my Navy experience and I hope that we are a highlight for the citizens and visitors of New York."

Fritz said the band's concerts often instill pride and energize onlookers while they perform.

"The organization is our diversity and we are performing in the largest and most diverse city in the world," he said. "People often see the uniform and that catches people's attention. When they hear the music they end up sitting down. Music is a universal language and it breaks down barriers and makes people interested in what we do as Sailors."

For up-to-date information on all Fleet Week events, visit the official Fleet Week New York website at www.fleetweeknewyork.com, "Like" FleetWeekNewYork on Facebook, or "Follow" @FleetWeekNYC on Twitter. Fleet Week New York photos can be viewed on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/fwnypao. Join the conversation on social media by using #FleetWeekNYC.