The public is invited to a free concert hosted by the massed bands of the Jamaica Defence Force in collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force Band, under the Shell Bandstand at the Hope Botanical Gardens, on Sunday February 17 at 4 p.m.

The two hour convert will launch and promote the 2013 series of performances and will be used as a medium to announce the wife of the Governor General- Her Excellency The Most Honorable Lady Allen as Patron of the Hope Botanical Gardens; the first such appointment in its history.

The Jamaica Defence Force Massed Bands, (comprised of the Jamaica Military Band and the Jamaica Regimental Band) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force Band have a long-standing tradition of performing free to the public at the Band Stand at Hope Gardens. This concert in particular will engage over 120 teenagers from a number of Inner City Schools namely Norman Manley Comprehensive High, Kingston High, Tivoli Gardens High and the Marverly Primary and Junior High Schools. The goal is to expose them to an alternative genre of music and to develop their appreciation of the other roles of the JDF and JCF. It will also help to facilitate canvassing for membership by the Jamaica Youth Orchestra Movement.

The concert will also be used to show appreciation to her Excellency, Lady Allen for having graciously agreed to be Patron of Hope Gardens. The Heads of Regulatory Agencies, State Officials, Sponsors, Benefactors and Board Members who are responsible for the operation, funding and maintenance of this public space will also be shown appreciation.