The Kentish Guards and Pawtuxet Rangers, Rhode Island Historic Revolutionary War units, are co-hosting the 2024 National Muster of Fifes & Drums in Newport this Friday and Saturday, Aug. 9 and 10. The Kentish Guards and Pawtuxet Rangers are both celebrating the 250^th anniversary of the granting of their charter, on the same day on October 29, 1774. This year also marks the 200^th anniversary of Fort Adams. The event is free and open to the public.

The Fife & Drum Muster is a gathering of musicians from across the United States and Switzerland. On Friday night, four corps are selected to perform at a “tattoo.” This is an informal concert by each unit for 15 to 20 minutes. The selected corps include the Argovia Rebels from Switzerland and the Old Guard Fifes & Drums, US 3^rd Infantry. The official muster kickoff is Saturday at 11 a.m., with a parade of some 40 units into Fort Adams. This will be followed with an opening ceremony at 12 p.m. Then each corps takes a turn playing “on stand” for 7-8 minutes. There are 1000 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. The event is free and open to the public. It is a great opportunity for visitors to Newport to see a historic event in a historic location.

Schedule: 

Friday, Aug. 9, 7-9 p.m.

• Tattoo - Performances by select visiting corps. Food trucks, a beer garden and more!

Saturday, Aug. 10, beginnig at 11 a.m.

• 11 a.m. - Parade of units into fort
• 12 p.m. - Opening Ceremonies
• 12:30 p.m. - Muster performances begin