"The President's Own" United States Marine Band will perform a free concert at the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center in Cutler Bay on Friday, Oct. 16, at 8 p.m.

The performance is part of Miami-Dade 250, the county's yearlong commemoration of the nation's 250th anniversary. According to a Community Newspapers listing, free tickets become available Thursday, Oct. 1, through MossCenter.org, the box office at 10950 S.W. 211th St. in Cutler Bay, or by phone at (786) 573-5300.

Admission is free.

Founded in 1798 by an Act of Congress, the Marine Band has performed for every president since John Adams. President Thomas Jefferson gave the ensemble its nickname, "The President's Own," in 1801. The band's musicians are active-duty Marines selected through auditions modeled on professional symphony orchestra tryouts. More than 60 percent hold advanced degrees in music. At the White House, they average about 200 performances a year in ensembles ranging from jazz combos to the full concert band.

Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin, the Marine Band's director, has built the Cutler Bay program around the style of John Philip Sousa, the band's 17th director, who started its concert tour tradition in 1891. The set list will include Sousa marches, contemporary compositions, vocal and instrumental solos, and a patriotic salute to the armed forces.

The Moss Center, managed by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, said the concert is recommended for all ages. The venue's Main Stage Auditorium and Black Box Theater are accessible, and assistive listening devices are available. Residents who need accommodations can contact Stephanie Aponte at (786) 573-5314 or [email protected] at least five days before the show.

Miami-Dade 250 spans the full calendar year with educational programs, cultural events and community partnerships honoring the county's role in the American story. The concert lands during a busy stretch of America 250 programming locally. The Village of Palmetto Bay's celebration calendar lists a student photo contest, "What America Means to Me," in October, a veterans art exhibit and live concert with food trucks in November, and a community time capsule ceremony at Village Hall in December.