June 19 – 20, 2026
Richmond/Norfolk/Cape Charles, VA!
We have a premiere time slot on the main stage at Sailfest with up to 10,000 people expected to gather. Stay tuned; we are in contact with more venues in the Richmond/Norfolk, VA areas.
Thank you in advance to our boots-on-the-ground members Mike August and Deb Evans!
An All-American Band Birthday Bash
Featuring The All-American Alumni Band
City Square Park Performance – Thursday, June 18, 7:00 pm
City Square Park – Dewey Decibel Concert Series (presented by Williamsburg Regional Library)
The residency opens with a lively outdoor performance by The All-American Alumni Band, led by conductor Russel C. Mikkelson as part of the Dewey Decibel Concert Series, featuring well known patriotic songs, marches, American pop medleys and show tunes by famed song writers Cole Porter, Leroy Anderson, John Philip Sousa, Harry James, and more. Featured alumni soloists include renowned jazz saxophonist and Norfolk favorite Charlie Young and members of The All-American Alumni Band trumpet section which includes Nashville’s first call trumpet Mike Haynes and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Assistant Principal trumpet Rene Shapiro.
A special highlight will be the world premiere of The Declaration for concert band and narrator—featuring excerpts from The Declaration of Independence—composed for The All-American Alumni Band by alumnus and Broadway arranger Kim Scharnberg in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Swinging Through Time: An All-American Jazz Celebration
Featuring The All – American Jazz Band
Kimball Theatre – Friday, June 19, 7:00 pm
Free Admission
The All-American Alumni Jazz Band—featuring 30 outstanding musicians from across the U.S. and all alumni of the former McDonald’s All-American High School Band (1967–1992)—makes its Kimball Theatre debut with an electrifying evening of timeless jazz and fresh, contemporary sounds. In honor of Juneteenth and the 100th anniversary of Harlem’s iconic Savoy Ballroom – a groundbreaking, integrated venue where jazz united audiences across racial lines—the program celebrates the music’s power to bring people together. Enjoy “Stompin’ at the Savoy” and beloved classics like Duke Ellington’s “April in Paris” and Stan Kenton’s “A Time for Love,” alongside arrangements by the Yellowjackets and renowned arranger Bob Curnow. Original composition “If You Only Knew” by keyboardist and band leader Karen Altmann is featured alongside favorites by Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and swinging selections from the Doc Severinsen series.
Special guest alumni artists include Norfolk legend and Duke Ellington Orchestra artistic director, conductor, and lead saxophonist Charlie Young, Nashville’s first-call trumpeter Mike Haynes, assistant principal trumpet of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Rene Shapiro, and Chicago professional drummer Rich Trelease—alongside many other acclaimed jazz musicians.
Strike up the Bands, America!
Featuring The All-American Alumni Band and The All-American Jazz Band
SailFest Cape Charles: Tall Ships Celebration – Saturday, June 20, 1:00 & 2:00 pm
SailFest 250 – Cape Charles
The residency reaches a thrilling finale with two show-stopping performances at SailFest 250 in Cape Charles. Showcasing both the Jazz Band and Concert Band, these festive concerts celebrate America’s semiquincentennial with a vibrant blend of patriotic favorites, jazz classics, and beloved popular repertoire. A special highlight includes The Declaration for concert band and narrator—featuring excerpts from The Declaration of Independence—composed for The All-American Alumni Band by alumnus and Broadway arranger Kim Scharnberg in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
About The All-American Alumni Band
Founded in 2019, The All-American Alumni Band brings together former members of the McDonald’s All-American High School Band to celebrate a shared musical legacy while inspiring new generations. With a mission to “passionately foster and nurture the art of instrumental music through partnership, education, and performance,” the organization champions initiatives including Music for Life, Music for Wellness, and Music for All through free performances nationwide.
About Russel C. Mikkelson
A nationally recognized leader in the wind band world, Dr. Mikkelson serves as Director of University Bands at The Ohio State University, where he is Professor of Music and conductor of the Wind Symphony. An advocate for new music and collaborative projects, he is widely respected for his leadership in commissioning and advancing contemporary repertoire. This residency marks his continued tenure as principal conductor of The All-American Alumni Band.
About the McDonald’s All-American High School Band
Established in 1967 by Ray Kroc and inspired by Al Golin, the McDonald’s All-American High School Band brought together top high school musicians from across the United States for more than two decades. The ensemble performed in major national events including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, leaving a lasting legacy in American music education.
All events are free and open to the public.