Concerts by military musical groups have been delighting Americans since our nation’s earliest days. When an ensemble as filled with talent as the Navy Band Sea Chanters performs, music lovers travel from near and far to partake of the event.

Consequently, the announcement that this official chorus of the United States Navy will be paying a visit to Fort Dodge is truly exciting. The group will present a free concert at 3 p.m. April 30 in Decker Auditorium on the Iowa Central Community College campus. This performance is part of the Sea Chanters’ 2017 national tour.

This much-anticipated event is one of a number of performances by patriotic musical groups this newspaper has been honored to help sponsor over the years including a previous visit to Fort Dodge by the Sea Chanters in 2012, the U.S. Army Band in 2011 and the Navy Band’s jazz ensemble in 2005.

Tickets will be required to attend the concert. They are free, and can be picked up at The Messenger. There are no assigned seats.

This chorus has an eclectic repertoire that includes traditional choral music, patriotic fare, opera, Broadway tunes and assorted contemporary music. This exceptional group has performed throughout the nation frequently accompanied by musicians from major orchestras. Wherever the Sea Chanters have appeared the reviews have been enthusiastically positive. The April 30 concert is destined to be one of the year’s cultural highlights locally.

The opportunity for residents of north central Iowa to enjoy what is sure to be an extraordinary afternoon of thrilling music should not be missed.