FAMOUS MUSIC LEADER BRINGS 85-PIECE BAND TO CITY

World renowned bandleader John Philip Sousa drew nearly 11,000 people in two concerts given in Cape Girardeau on Sept. 14, 1929. Sousa and his 85-piece band arrived in the city promptly at noon aboard a special Frisco train.

He was greeted by a large group of citizens, including three bands -- the American Legion drum and bugle corps known as the Golden Troopers, the Municipal Band, and a junior band from Ste. Genevieve, which was highly acclaimed in the area.

The bands met at the American Legion Hall and marched to the depot to greet Sousa and his band.

The muny band, directed by Thomas Danks, who had once played in Sousa's band, played renditions of two of Sousa's own marches: "Semper Fidelis" and "The Stars and Stripes Forever."

Mayor James A. Barks presented Sousa with a key to this city, telling him: "This occasion will linger long in our memories."

In the afternoon a free concert was held on the terraces of Academic Hall, attended by between 7,500 and 10,000 people from around the area. The crowd was mostly schoolchildren, and many believed it was the largest gathering of children in the history of the community.

The concert was originally scheduled for Houck Field House, but because of the good weather, it was moved outside so more could attend.

Later that night, 1,500 people, paying an admission of $1, attended a concert at Academic auditorium. The band's performance included a variety of music, from marches which gave him the title "March King," to classical selections.

Describing the concerts, the Southeast Missourian stated that they were "two of the most pleasing musical programs the city has known."

Sousa, who had avoided injury in a train wreck that occurred two days earlier in Colorado, spent the night in Cape Girardeau with his band before moving on to Decatur, Ill., for another concert.