GULF SHORES, Ala. — The city of Gulf Shores Special Events Division will present the Air National Guard Band of the South on Friday, June 11, at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center in Gulf Shores.

Located at the intersection of West 19th Avenue and West Second Street, doors will open at 6:30 for the 7 p.m. concert.

As always, Gulf Shores Outdoor & In concerts are free to the public, and music lovers of all ages are invited to attend.

The Air National Guard Band of the South’s Concert Band is the unit’s largest ensemble. Comprised of all members, the group performs a varied program of light classics, popular favorites, instrumental features, as well as traditional concert band literature.

Originally formed in 1946, the Air National Guard Band of the South was activated for federal service with the 116th Air Control Wing on Oct. 10, 1950.

The band was stationed in Alexandria, La. until 1952, when it was released from active duty.

In 1953, the Georgia Air National Guard reformed the band with Chief Warrant Officer John Love as commander, a position he held until his retirement in 1960. Under his leadership, the band achieved recognition as the best Air National Guard band in the United States.

Previously known as the 530th Air National Guard Band, the group was renamed Air National Guard Band of the South in 2002. One of 11 Air National Guard bands, the Band of the South provides music for military ceremonies, official protocol functions and recruiting and retention events, and community relations.

Under the direction of Capt. Alan B. McConnell, the Air National Guard Band of the South averages 50 performances a year, and performs regularly throughout its primary area of responsibility (Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina) as “Goodwill Ambassadors” for the Georgia Air National Guard.

Throughout the years, the band’s reputation has led to requested performances in Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Wyoming, Montana, Indiana, Michigan, Delaware, the Azores Islands, Norway and the Dominican Republic.

The band has performed for many notable figures, including President Harry S Truman and the president of Tanzania, honored generals from one star to four and serenaded dignitaries from mayors and congressmen to governors and presidents.

All members of the band are traditional guardsmen, serving one weekend a month, two weeks during the year and other times when called to duty.

Along with all other Army and Air National Guard units, we are proud to be known as “America’s Citizen Soldiers.”

For more information on this and many other great things to see and do in Gulf Shores, log on to www.gulfshoresal.gov and click on “Upcoming Events” or call (251) 968-1172.