For the third year in a row, the Navy Band Northwest will perform at the Washington State Capitol building in Olympia.

The performance, which is open to the public and free of charge,  will take place Thursday, Feb. 25, at noon. The band will perform contemporary classic pieces as well as patriotic tunes.

The Navy Band enjoys performing at as many public venues as possible as an honorable service to the community. Its performances also help spread awareness and support for servicemembers around the world.

The band traces its roots back to 1925, when it was known as the Third Battalion, U.S. Naval Reserve Forces, 13th Naval District Band. It was officially commissioned in 1953 at Pier 91 in Seattle. Since then, its official name has changed a few times; it officially became the Navy Band Northwest in 1999.

The band has performed for squadrons returning from combat in the South Pacific as well as for World War II heroes returning home. Today, the Navy Band provides musical support for official Navy functions as well as for community outreach performances like the appearance at the Washington State Capitol building. It has achieved a fine reputation built upon a level of excellence and exceptional performances.

The Navy Band Northwest is comprised of 35 active-duty sailors who perform at more than 500 military and civilian events a year. Its director, Lt. Bruce Mansfield, leads the band. The Senior Chief Musician and Assistant Director is Roy G. Brown, III.  The Navy Band is located in Silverdale under the command of Rear Adm. Jeff Ruth, commander of the Navy Region Northwest.

The Navy Band Northwest is proud to perform for communities in the Pacific northwest including in Alaska, Washington and Oregon as well as in Northern California. Members also travel to Nevada, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

Closer to home, the band will perform at several locations during Seattle's Seafair event this summer.

For more information about the Navy Band Northwest, including upcoming schedules, visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/navybandnorthwest or its official webpage at www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrnw/about/navy_band.html.