Looking to get outside and enjoy a relaxing venue?
Here’s a thought: the Concert Band of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 159, will present several free outdoor band concerts in the area beginning June 29 and continuing through the summer.
Fast-paced and varied, the musical selections will highlight many different ethnic flavors, as the band explores styles ranging from Italian tarantellas to Irish folk songs to several of America’s greatest marches.
On Wednesday, June 29, the band will perform in Seltzer Park in Shelby beginning at 7 p.m. The following night, Thursday, June 30, the band will appear in the gazebo park in downtown Crestline at 7:30 p.m.
On Friday evening, July 1, South Park in Mansfield will be the location for a celebration concert in collaboration with the City of Mansfield as the new pavilion is officially opened and dedicated. Beginning at 7 p.m., the festivities will also feature Mansfield Mayor Timothy Theaker.
For the first time in its tradition of over 40 years, the Concert Band will play a July 4th afternoon concert in Lexington, performing in the village’s Bicentennial Park at 1:15 p.m. Wrapping up the summer season, the village of Bellville will host a concert in its downtown gazebo on Saturday, Aug. 18, beginning at 7 p.m.
Conducted by Steven D. Taylor and Mark Maxwell, the band is comprised of over 60 professional and highly accomplished instrumentalists from Ashland, Richland, Crawford, Delaware, Knox, and Wayne Counties. Professional announcer Roger Price will serve as Master of Ceremonies, providing light-hearted introductions of the music.
In addition, Price will serve as narrator for a thought-provoking patriotic tribute entitled “Each Time You Tell Their Story.” Composed by Samuel R. Hazo, the music incorporates a touching poem, written by Hazo’s father and Poet Laureate of the State of Pennsylvania, Dr. Samuel J. Hazo, which describes and honors the sacrifices made by U.S. troops. This selection will be part of a collection of patriotic pieces making up what Taylor calls “our Independence Day salute!”
Musical highlights of the “melting pot” theme will include the Gustav Holst’s “Second Suite for Band” which is completely inspired by folk songs and dances of the British Isles, a fiery Spanish folksong entitled “El Relicario,” and a charming Norwegian march “Valdres,” which features antiphonal trumpet players and military drums.
In addition, the concert band’s principal flutist, Denise Rotavera-Krain, will present a showpiece solo entitled “Carnival of Venice” variations. A member of the band for over 10 years, Denise teaches at the College of Wooster and is a frequent area performer.
In addition to her duties as flute instructor at Wooster, Rotavera-Krain directs the Tremolos, the College of Wooster Flute Choir, and coaches the Wooster Winds Quintet. She has performed regionally with the Mansfield Symphony, the Ashland Symphony, the Tuscarawas Philharmonic, and the Ohio Light Opera orchestra. She holds a Masters of Music Degree in Flute Performance from Temple University.
Taylor says he enjoys working with the Local 159 Band.
“The instrumentation of a full concert band and percussion section lends itself to just about any style of music, and these fine players have the experience and versatility to bring it all to life!”
He says that he and Maxwell have fun with the summer concerts because of the variety of music the band offers their audiences.
“This year’s melting pot theme inspired a fast-paced, entertaining collection of shorter selections, with an emphasis on some terrific marches from around the world,” he continued.
All of the concerts are free to the public, and concert-goers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, as seating is limited.
For more information: Steve Taylor, Ph. 419-368-3705 or 419-554-0916 Cell, or
Mark Maxwell, A.F.M. Local 159 Secretary, ph. 419-884-1838
“Musical Melting Pot”
The 60-piece Concert Band of Local 159 of the American Federation of Musicians will play free outdoor concerts this summer. Five performances are slated for Wednesday, June 29 at 7 p.m. in Shelby’s Seltzer Park; Thursday, June 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Crestline’s downtown gazebo, Friday, July 1 at 7 p.m. at Mansfield’s new South Park Pavilion, Monday, July 4 at 1:15 p.m. at Lexington’s Bicentennial Park, and Saturday, Aug. 18 at the Bellville Park Gazebo beginning at 7 p.m.
The band is made up of professional players from five area counties, and will feature upbeat, familiar music in a variety of styles and focusing on America’s heritage. Admission is free and open to the public, and more information is available at the A.F.M.’s website: http://www.afmlocal159.org/
