The Sound of Liberty

Following two sold-out performances last August, the international touring troupe for the U.S. military, the USO Liberty Bells, returns to the Hayes Center for a concert of patriotic, big band, Broadway and World War II-era favorites.

The Bells come back to Blowing Rock for two shows on Saturday, July 16, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 17, at 2 p.m.

Comprised of three female vocalists and one male vocalist, the USO Liberty Bells perform music by legends, such as the Andrews Sisters, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.

The group will have toes tapping with such jazzy numbers as "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree and "My Boyfriend's Back" and classic Great White Way tunes like "Lullaby of Broadway" and "Ain't Nothin' but the Blues." And the evening is further amplified by patriotic standards, including "God Bless America," "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" and "God Bless the USA."

The USO Liberty Bells performing troupe is the only official chartered USO show troupe of its kind. The group is comprised of Broadway and Off-Broadway professionals who are chosen each year after an extensive audition process in Manhattan.

The USO Liberty Bells perform at military homecoming and deployment ceremonies, VA Hospital tours and shows in honor of our fallen heroes. They also entertain at high-profile venues including New York Mets and Yankees games, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, NBC's Rockin' New Year's Eve, the New York City Columbus Day Parade, "Fox and Friends," and many others. Most recently, they returned from a week in Dubai and the Wounded Warrior Games in Colorado.

In addition, 40 percent of the USO Liberty Bells' artist fee goes directly back to the USO to enable the USO Liberty Bells to perform for free for active duty military, veterans and Wounded Warriors, as well as provide phone cards and care packages for the troops.

Col. Larry Lang, commander and conductor of the United States Air Force Academy Band, said, "The Bells are extraordinarily talented ladies, full of class and heart, professional in every regard, selflessly dedicated to entertaining America's service men and women ... and, frankly, just a lot of fun to watch and listen to. They know how to grab an audience and take them on a musical and visual journey that will lift their hearts and remind them of what and who makes this country so great. I wish them continued success and Godspeed as they carry on their vital mission."

Tickets prices and times for USO Liberty Bells are $30, $40 and $50 for Saturday, July 16, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 17, at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices vary by seat location. To purchase tickets, call the Hayes Center Box Office at (828) 295-9627. Tickets are also available online at http://www.HayesCenter.org and in person at the box office via cash or check.

The Hayes Performing Arts Center is located at 152 Jamie Fort Road (off U.S. 321), in Blowing Rock.