JACKSON BAND TO PERFORM

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

The band will also perform July 4 as part of the Jackson Jaycees annual celebration. This performance will also begin at 8 p.m. at the band shell.

On Thursday, special guest for the concert is fiddler Steve Schaffner. He is a native of Cape Girardeau and currently teaches strings and is orchestra conductor for Cape Girardeau public schools. He spent three years touring with the Narvel Felts Band and has performed with country stars including George Jones, Tammy Wynette and Ronnie Milsap.

He will be joined by guitarist Steve Pirtle, who works as an instrument technician at Shivelbines Music Store and plays regularly with the band, "Blues All Stars."

On July 4, featured guest artist is Cheryl Fortner. She is a graduate of Jackson High School and has been performing professionally for the past 15 years. She sings with the gospel trio "Forever Friends." Fortner will be joined on at least one medley by her sons James, 8, and Aaron, 7.

The band's portion of these concerts will consist of several patriotic selections and marches.

Both concerts are free. Those attending are asked to bring a lawn chair.