The United States Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band will play in Masterton next week as part of a tour that sees it visit towns where US forces were either based or visited during World War II.
The 49-piece band, which is based in Hawaii, is putting on a programme of free concerts around the country as part of the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the arrival of US Forces in New Zealand during the war.
It is to play in the Wairarapa College hall on June 12, from 1pm to 2.15pm.
The band's repertoire is designed to appeal to all ages and ranges from military-style music band favourites through to jazz, show tunes and interpretations of some of the most modern music.
The musicians will spend time with music students from Wairarapa College, passing on tips and showing them different techniques used when playing their instruments.
Two US camps were in Masterton in 1943, one at Solway Showgrounds and the other where Memorial Park in Dixon St is today. The Solway camp was home to about 1000 personnel.
Other tour venues include Paekakariki, Porirua, Old St Paul's in Wellington, the Auckland War Memorial Museum and Ngaruawahia.