Their big-band swing, their bebop and their jazzy popular sounds have been heard around the world.

Now, on April 5, the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors, the official touring band of the United States Army, will play a concert at Bellevue College's Courter Family Athletic Pavilion. And this fun, toe-tapping good time is free. It begins at 7 p.m.

"This band is truly amazing," said Jim Sisko, a professor and jazz band director at Bellevue College. "Bringing musicians of this caliber to Bellevue College is immeasurably beneficial for our current and future students and really points to the east side as a home of the arts."

Though the concert is free, reservations are required through Brown Paper Tickets. Just visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2511318.

Many talented members of the group have played for the band for a long time. Master Sgt. Michael Johnston has played trumpet for the Jazz Ambassadors since 2000. Previously, from 1991 to 2000, he was in the Concert Band of the U.S. Army Field Band. He won first place in the International Trumpet Guild's Jazz Improvisation Competition in 1989 while attending the University of North Florida. Johnston has played with renowned performers like Dizzy Gillespie, Doc Severinsen, Natalie Cole and the Count Basie Orchestra.

Master Sgt. Tim Young has played piano for the Jazz Ambassadors since 1998 and has been a member of the Jazzete since its inception in 1999.

As a former soloist for the Jazz Knights at the United States' Military Academy, Master Sgt.  Marva Lewis is the only singer with the Jazz Ambassadors.

The 18-member band includes five saxophones, four trombones, two guitars, five trumpets, one  piano and one vocalist.

This award-winning band has played around the world. In addition to playing in all 50 states, The Jazz Ambassadors has played in Canada, Mexico, Japan, India and throughout Europe.

After the concert, band members will put their instruments aside and mingle with the crowd, staying to meet and greet with the audience. The concert is scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m.

The Jazz Ambassadors, known as America's Big Band, was formed in 1969 and has received great acclaim and praise both at home and abroad as it performs jazz, an American treasure. Group members play band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, Dixieland and popular tunes.

And they continue to play to a busy schedule. From March 4-29, the group performed nearly every day, playing in Arizona, California, Oregon and Idaho.

For more information about the Jazz Ambassadors, visit www.armyfieldband.com/pages/ensembles/ja.html.