The United States Coast Guard Band attracts some of the best musicians in the world - eminently capable of performing all types of demanding and immortal music in a variety of circumstances and settings.

Every once in a while, it's fun just to sit back and watch them go for it.

On Sunday, the USCG Guardians Big Band, behind leader and senior Chief Musician Joel Flunker and music director/Musician 1st Class Sean Nelson, will take on a tremendous program in a matinee at the Coast Guard Academy's Leamy Concert Hall.

Look for a set list including work by Count Basie, Gil Evans, Duke Ellington, Thad Jones and Pat Metheny. It's going to be pretty tremendous.

- RICK KOSTER

United States Coast Guard Guardians Big Band, 2 p.m. Sunday, Leamy Concert Hall, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, 15 Mohegan Ave., New London; free; (860) 701-6826