The East Bay Summer Wind Ensemble was organized in June of 1976 by Founder and Conductor, Lt. Col. Steven Grimo (former Commander/Conductor of the United States Airforce Academy) of Bristol, R.I. as a non-profit, educational community music program to offer residents of the East Bay area of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts a chance to become actively involved in cultural activities. This year EBSWE celebrates its 50th Anniversary! EBSWE held the first performance of what became the Bristol 4th of July Concert Series on July 3, 1976 on the steps of Colt School. Now in the 49th year, the ensemble is currently led by Mr. David M. Marshall, who is now in his 20th year as the organization’s President and Director. The ensemble ‘s Assistant Conductor is Mr. Ted Rausch of Bands at Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, RI where the group runs its rehearsals throughout the summer. EBSWE performs a wide variety of concert repertoire including musical genres spanning from Patriotic to Broadway.  Movie Music to Traditional and Contemporary Symphonic Literature. Each Summer the group performs throughout the East Bay Area giving community musicians a chance to advance their instrumental music skills in a concert band setting, while entertaining audiences at beautiful outdoor venues.