EL PASO, Texas, July 21 -- The University of Texas at El Paso issued the following news release:
EL PASO, Texas (July 21, 2026) - UTEP Bands will host a concert and educational initiative in partnership with the 1st Armored Division Band at Fort Bliss in honor of the nation's 250th birthday. The effort is supported by a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
The project celebrates the life and work of James Reese Europe, a U.S. soldier and legendary bandleader whose service during World War I played a major role in the development and international spread of jazz music.
Europe led the military band of the 369th Infantry Regiment "Harlem Hellfighters," a New York-based unit consisting entirely of African American an...