The Kentish Guards and Pawtuxet Rangers, Rhode Island Historic Revolutionary War units, today announced they are co-hosting the 2024 National Muster of Fifes & Drums at Fort Adams State Park in Newport.
The Fife & Drum Muster, which will take place on August 9 and August 10, is a gathering of musicians from across the United States and Switzerland.
The Kentish Guards and Pawtuxet Rangers are both celebrating the 250th anniversary of the granting of their charter on the same day on October 29, 1774. This year also marks the 200th anniversary of Fort Adams.
On Friday night, August 9, four corps are selected to perform at a “tattoo”. This is an informal concert by each unit for 15-20 minutes, according to organizerss. The selected corps include the Argovia Rebels from Switzerland and the Old Guard Fifes & Drums, US 3rd Infantry.
The official muster kickoff is Saturday at 11 am with a parade of approximately forty units into Fort Adams. This will be followed by an opening ceremony at 12:00. Then each corps takes a turn playing “on the stand” for 7-8 minutes. Organizers say that there are 1,000 participants expected. Once all corps have performed, all musicians join in for a jam session. The muster is not a competition but a demonstration of music styles, uniforms and more.
The historic event is part of the RI250 celebration. It promises to be a vibrant celebration of music, history, tradition, and community spirit, according to organizers.
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information and updates, visit https://www.2024nationalmuster.com/.
