On this episode of El Paso Prime Time, host Richard Dayoub from Thunderbird Management Consulting welcomes to the studio the Associate Director of Bands at UTEP, Doctor Brandon Houghtalen. Dr. Houghtalen gives Richard a comprehensive lesson on his area of study and how he learned about the $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for the concert celebrating America's 250th Birthday, where UTEP students will play alongside members of the 1st Armored Division from Fort Bliss.
This concert 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. The concert will take place the day after Veterans Day, which originated as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I. A panel discussion with UTEP faculty and members of the 1st Armored Division Band will be held earlier that evening at 6 p.m. in Magoffin Auditorium. Both events are free and open to the public.
Additional Information
- To read more about this celebration, you can visit the following link: https://www.utep.edu/newsfeed/2026/july/utep-1st-armored-division-band-to-host-concert-celebrating-americas-250th-birthday.html
- To get your tickets, click on the following link.
Originally aired October 3, 2026
