PEARL HARBOR - In recognition of May as National Military Appreciation Month, the Hawaii Theatre and the Honolulu Council of the Navy League will host the 30th Annual Combined Military Band Appreciation Concert at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, at the historic Hawaii Theatre.

The performance is free and open to the public. Seating will begin at 5 p.m. on a first come, first served basis.

This special concert will feature outstanding instrumentalists and vocalists from the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet Band, the U.S. Marine Forces-Pacific Band, the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division Band (Army Music Hawaii), the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific-Hawaii, and members from the Hawaii Army National Guard 111th Army Band.

The Pacific Fleet Band, under the leadership of Fleet Bandmaster Lt. Patrick K. Sweeten, is the lead organization for this year’s concert, which will include conductors from all of the military service bands stationed on Oahu taking up the baton for many patriotic selections.

Free ticket information is available from the Hawaii Theatre box office at 1130 Bethel Street (between Hotel and Pauahi streets) during regular box office hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. The box office can be reached at (808) 528-0506.

National Military Appreciation Month encourages U.S. citizens to observe May as a symbol of patriotic unity, to honor current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as those who have died in the pursuit of freedom and peace.