encore.

Small-town summer evenings can't get any better.
Our town's Municipal Band played their Wednesday evening concert at the Bandshell at a downtown park last night. They play 7 Wednesdays during the summer, and hundreds of people come out to listen.
I think the main draw is neither brilliant talent on the band's part, nor their faithful, fearless, yet somewhat loquacious director, but generally the idea of enjoying the sunshine and a few old show tunes by the river at dusk.
Last night's program was pretty near and dear at times- Moon River, the theme from Chariots of Fire, Hogan's Heroes March, and little snippets of John Henry during the medley, among other less-familiar tunes. The director likes to feature the trombone section on every occasion, his favorites are the John Phillips Sousa [inventor of the sousaphone, you're right!] marches, and they always get a couple dozen kids to march around the benches during the infamous Kids' March [candy is involved]. Unfortunately, a good deal of the young marchers received a gentle reprimand from stage last night, for their expeditious completion of the pre-appointed route.
We also saw a nebulous attempt at interpretive dance.. or was it bird-watching?
The people-watching is superb, young and old birds alike. [The aforementioned birds were of the fowlish variety.]
so all in all, it's quite the miss-able opportunity, but if you really want [local] culture- you'd better head down to the hottest wednesday night spot on the prairie! bring your own bugspray- and head on over to our place afterwards for some home-roasted s'mores.