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 upon us. 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. We've had our first few rehearsals with the music for our next performance. The dust (rust?) has been knocked off the horns, and we are settling into our customary routines. Along the way we have picked up some new members, which always makes the experience more special.
Our next performance will be on Sunday, October 27th at 3pm. The venue will be the Auditorium of River Valley High School, which is one of our favorite locations. There is plenty of parking close to the entrances, the Auditorium offers modern comfortable seating, and the stage is very performer-friendly. And did we mention they have a snack bar?
Our Director, Bill Swihart, makes it a point to select music that makes bold statements, and our next concert fits that description nicely. Bill selects both familiar and unfamiliar composers, but occasionally leans toward their less familiar works. For instance, most know that John P. Sousa composed 137 marches, but how many know that he also composed 15 operettas and 5 overtures? And how many knew that famed march composer Henry Fillmore also wrote hymns and waltzes? As a result, we are confident this performance will contain some unexpected moments.
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!
