Concert Preview: July 31 in Racine

The series by the Racine Concert Band continues on Sunday July 31 at the Racine Zoo when the Band welcomes Soprano and former Miss Racine, Ms. Jeannie Hatfield. She will perform music from Rogers and Hart, Hoagy Carmichael, Duke Ellington, and Irving Berlin. Jeannie always puts on a good show, and this should be no exception.

Also featured on the program is Alto Saxophonist Margaret Schwingle performing a Tango by Issac Albinez. And, of course, Music Director Mark Eichner will end the concert with a Sousa march. Lots of fun for the whole family.

Keep in mind that this is the last concert beginning at 7:30. In August, the concerts will begin at 7 PM due to the setting of the sun.

The last summer concert in Shorewood for 2011

This week will mark the closing of the 2011 summer season for the Shorewood Concert Band. Dr. Patricia Backhaus will present a program entitled Band Shell Classics. Dr. Pat always programs a fun concert, and this one will be no exception. I'll be there, and I hope you will be too!

And the summer season continues at the Racine Zoo on Sunday evening the 24th when the Racine Concert band welcomes mezzo-soprano Allison Hull. Ms. Hull is a faculty member at UW-Parkside who has performed with the Skylight and Florentine Opera companies in Milwaukee, and the Seattle Opera nationally. She is a frequent guest with the Racine Concert band.

Also on the program is music featuring the saxophone section.

It looks to be a wonderful concert. Hope to see you there!

The second summer season begins

Some community bands begin their summer season right after school let's out, and finishes usually in mid-July. Others begin for their community's celebration of July 4th, and run to the end of August. Such is the case in Racine, where the Racine Concert Band has begun their summer concert series. From now to the end of August, you can hear the Racine Concert Band every Sunday evening at the Racine Zoo. Check out their web site for more details.

And let me make a special mention for the concert on July 10, dedicated especially for kids - of all ages. The children's concert is always a lot of fun and well worth attending. If you are checking your calendar a week farther out, the Band will feature the Horn section on the 17th.

The concerts begin at 7:30 in July and at 7:00 in August. And, to attend the concert, there is no Zoo admission (assuming you are arriving about 7:00 for a 7:30 concert. Be advised that if you arrive mid-afternoon, you will be charged the normal admission to the Zoo, even if you stay for the concert.

Be sure to check their web site and mark a date or two, or more, on your calendar for the Racine Concert Band. I'll be at many of them. Hope to see you there.

Coming up

Not much to tell you about this week. Keep in mind that just about every community band will be performing on or around Monday July 4th. Some will be in parades, some will be performing before the fireworks, and others will be performing during the day's celebrations. Be sure to take in their concert and cheer for your fellow citizens, who are volunteering their time for your enjoyment.

Music is the best because both the performers and audience enjoy it so much. Be sure to enjoy some yourself this upcoming holiday.

Because of the holiday on the 4th, no post next Sunday.

In closing, be sure to attend the concert by the Milwaukee American Legion Band on Tuesday July 5 in Humboldt Park at the Chalet stage. It's a Milwaukee tradition!

Upcoming concert: Shorewood Concert Band and a contest

The Shorewood Concert Band performs in Atwater Park this Thursday June 23rd at 7 PM. Led by Dr. Patricia Backhaus, the group performs 4 concerts per summer in the park. This Thursday's concert theme is "water music". And this week's concert will have a guest conductor: Mr. Jamin Hoffman of the Concord Chamber Orchestra. Should be fun!

So, bring a blanket or a lawn chair and be ready for a good time. The fun begins at 7 PM. Hope to see you there.

One other thing: I have to mention a special contest held by my favorite podcast. The Philcast, the daily podcast of local personality Phil Cianciola, is giving away a week at camp to a kid in the Milwaukee area. Log on to http://thephilcast.com/ for all the details. All you have to do is send an email to Phil at phil@thephilcast.com, telling him why you nominate your camp kid. If your entry is selected, your nominee gets a free week this summer at Camp Timber-lee. What a cool offer!

And while you are there, bookmark the page and listen to all the podcasts. Great fun, and you may hear email comments from Bruce from Greenfield...that would be me. Keep up on the podcasts and you can meet Phil at the State Fair, learn about the bacon explosion, and other earth shattering things. And be sure to tell a friend. More people need to listen to this daily dose of fun! There is made-up scientific proof that road rage would be reduced if everyone listened to Phil. Cause I just made it up! So there!

The Tradition Continues

For as long as I can remember, this local community band has played a summer concert in the park. This year the tradition continues. The Milwaukee American Legion Band will perform on the Chalet stage in Humboldt Park this year on Tuesday July 5. The program begins at 6:30 with a performance by the Daley Debutantes Baton and Drum Corps. The American Legion Band, under the direction of Mike VanPelt, then follows with a traditional band concert in the park. Unfortunately, I do not have any information about the program just yet. But the Legion Band concerts are always fun and full of tradition. For instance, the band always begins with a march The Champions, which was written for the band many years ago. And the band always completes the program in the same way.

I suggest you mark July 5 on your calendar for an annual event: the summer concert by the Milwaukee American Legion Band in Humboldt Park. It's been going on for as long as I can remember!

First summer band concert

Join the Shorewood Concert Band for the first summer band concert this Saturday, June 11. The concert is a part of the Shorewood Men's Club Chicken Barbecue, held all day at Atwater Park, corner of Capitol Drive and Lake Drive in Shorewood. The Band begins its performance at 12:30 and will feature music with Wisconsin ties.

I'm looking forward to the concert, not only because it officially starts the summer band concert season, but because I love the Rupena's Chicken dinner, cooked fresh right in Atwater park. I'm going to enjoy the concert and then grab some chicken for a late lunch. The funds raised by the Men's Club go to a number of Shorewood groups, including the Concert Band.

So, see you at Atwater Park on Saturday, about 12:20 or so. Bring a lawn chair, relax, and enjoy the show. And then enjoy some chicken!