Last night was the first concert by the Comptom Heights Concert Band in their 2008 summer season. They are a brass band, similar to the kind John Phillip Souza used to lead years ago. They play a lot of his music but lots of other stuff as well. Each summer they play weekend concerts in two city parks: one is on Sunday night and the second is on Monday. The Monday concerts are held in an old park with the band sitting in a Victorian band stand and the audience on park benches, lawn chairs, and blankets around them. It is the Monday concerts I try to attend.
Last night’s program was their July 4 program with lots of patriotic music. There were some marches like “Stars and Stripes Forever” which is their encore piece. There was a medley of songs by Irving Berlin. The guest soloist was baritone, Bob Ellison, who sang patriotic songs for the most part but did “On The Road Again” and his encore piece, “Old Man River.” The final number before the encore was the 1812 Overture, complete with Civil War cannons.
The weather was perfect for sitting in the park listening to music. Pat and I were joined by Nini and Fred. The three women knit (until the light was gone), interrupting our stitching to applaud the band. I find these outdoor band concerts to be real Americana. There are a number of local parks which have summer band concerts. One is focused on jazz; another is on the blues. As far as I know, the bands which play those concerts vary. The Compton Heights concerts are the only one featuring one single band for the entire season. I’m not sure if these concerts are just a local/regional practice or if other towns/cities have the same. I’m just glad I can look forward to five more concerts in this summer season.
