Current Event and Performance Schedule:
Welcome to Fall!
It seems like just yesterday we were gearing up for Memorial Day weekend, and then ZAP! - October is almost over. If it is true that time flies when you are having fun, we must have had a doozie of a summer.
Our end-of-summer break is now history, as is our fall concert. We'd like to extend our appreciation to those who attended, as well as the River Valley High School for use of their Auditorium. The more we play there, the better we like it. Judging from comments by audience members, the feeling is mutual.
We are now taking a couple weeks off to reorganize, sort, and redistribute music for Christmas performance. That will be at the Marion Senior Center on Monday, December 16th, at 11am, performing holiday selections prior to their lunch.
Although we won't be meeting, our members will remain busy with other productions.
The Marion Area Orchestra, operating under the baton of George Schram, will be performing at the River Valley High School Auditorium on Sunday, November 17th. Their poster is below.
Also, several of our members will be participating in the Christmas at the Palace production. Performance dates are December 6-8, and their poster is also below.
Shifting gears, we'd like to take this opportunity to again 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!
