JACKSON BAND PERFORMS THURSDAY

JACKSON -- The Jackson Municipal Band will perform Thursday at 8 p.m. at the band shell in the city park with special guest Steve Schaffner.

Schaffner is a fiddler and is currently string instructor with the Cape Girardeau public schools. He spent three years touring with the Narvel Felts Band. He has also performed with country stars like George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Ronnie Milsap and has performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

He will be joined by guitarist Steve Pirtle, an instrument technician at Shivelbine's Music Store in Cape Girardeau.

The band will perform "Country Gentlemen," a collection of hits from pop star Gloria Estefan, marches "Emblem of Unity" and "King Cotton. Saxophonist Pat Schwent will be featured on the song "Misty," and the band will perform Martin Luther's hum "Mighty Fortress."

The band is directed by Nick Leist, the band's 27 year veteran conductor.

The concert is free. Those attending are asked to bring a blanket or lawn chair.