Current Event and Performance Schedule:
Summer! Where did it go?
It is hard to believe, but summer is quickly drawing to a close. It seems like just yesterday that the spring rains stopped and summer actually began. (OK, it was just last week, but I digress.)
We are now on what we affectionately call "a break". That is when we don't have practices or performances scheduled for a while, but are still supposed to be practicing on our own. Some of us are better at this than others.
Our next appearance/performance will be in Marion's Popcorn Festival Parade, Thursday, September 5. The parade starts at 6pm, and will have a new look this year. The parade will still start at Center & Forest Lawn, moving west. At State Street it will turn left (yes, that will be moving the wrong way on a one-way street). At Church Street it will again turn left, ending where Church & Mt. Vernon streets split. For those familiar with the area, this is just east of Rocky's Cycle. We will be playing an assortment of marches while riding some sort of wheeled trailer (float, flatbed, etc.), the details of which aren't known yet.
Our next rehearsal will be on Monday, September 9, at Grant Middle School. The starting time is 7pm, but it is wise to arrive a little early. Marion City Schools recently upgraded the security features at each facility. How this impacts us is entry to and exit from the building. We are to enter and leave through the doors on the east side of the building, beside the northeast corner. Prior to 7pm the doors will be unlocked. After 7pm someone from inside will have to open the doors to let you in. There is no problem exiting through those same doors after rehearsal.
At our next rehearsal we should have some insight into our tentative fall performance schedule.
We'd like to take this opportunity to thank all those who attended, supported, or sponsored the 2019 Summer Concerts in McKinley Park. We again were blessed with excellent performers, appreciative audiences, and with only a few hiccups due to weather. As mentioned at the concerts, the performers are selected based on many factors. One of the most important factors is who you, the audience member, would like to listen to. This includes not just specific performers, but types and styles of music. As example, if there is sufficient call for opera-singing dogs accompanied by zither and tuba, that will appear on our search list. Based on requests and suggestions the initial contacts are made, interest confirmed, and possible dates discussed. You can make your thoughts known by talking to one of us at an event or rehearsal, or by email.
We'd like to remind you of a recent article in the Marion Star, which cited local options for live musical performances. We were mentioned favorably, along with several quotes provided by our Director, Bill Swihart. Also mentioned was the Marion Area Orchestra, operating under the baton of George Schram. An additional reference was made in the announcement of the Marion Gala, held on June 1, in Marion's beautiful Palace Theatre. (http://www.marionmade.org/gala/ ) We were included as a featured performer, along with Ryan Ratliff, Ann Schertzer, and Mally Reber. In mentioning this we aren't attempting to "blow our own horn", pun intended, but to remind you of the wonderfully talented performers who call Marion "home".
Although completed, below is the "final" version of the 2019 Summer Concerts in McKinley Park schedule. The groups listed represented a range of musical styles from big band, to jazz, and Blue Grass. Each are known for excellent musicianship, and several were scheduled as a result of audience inputs from previous seasons.
June 16 The Marion Concert Band
June 23 The Palace Theatre Big Band
June 30 Geeze Cats
July 7 The Marion Concert Band
July 14 Muleskinner Band
July 21 Aly Ryerson, Jazz Flutist with Trombones Plus
July 28 The Dixie Krauts
Aug 4 The Marionaires
Aug 11 The Marion Concert Band
Before closing we'd like to extend our appreciation to the 2019 sponsors. Their contributions permit the summer series to occur, allowing us to attract quality performers to our area. The complete list is found on our "Sponsors" page. When you patronize those businesses, please mention how much you appreciate their contribution to providing quality live music for our community.
On that note we'll close for now. As we make our way through the rest of the year, we wish great things for you and yours, and remember - make time to be good to yourself!
See you at the show!
