MUNICIPAL BAND LAUNCHES ANOTHER SEASON

Tradition will continue Thursday night, when the Jackson Municipal Band opens its 1999 concert season at the band shell in the city park.

The Jackson Municipal Band began in 1920, under the leadership of Q.W. Roloff. This year Nick Leist, the present conductor, will take up the baton for the 32nd consecutive year.

Special guest for the June 3 concert will be Jonathan Stewart. A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in vocal performance, and is attending graduate school at both Indiana University and southern Illinois University. He has already received a Master's in choral conducting.

Stewart has performed with the Shorter Chorale and St. Louis Voices and also serves as an assistant conductor for the St. Louis Chamber Chorus. His program will include a variety of music designed to complement his outstanding baritone voice.

The band's portion of the program will include A Gallop to end all Gallops, Tritsch-Tristch Polka, A Collection of Gershwin Hits, Loch and Mountain, The Gladiator, a collection of Broadway hits, entitled "Broadway's Best."

Sousa's Washington Post march will be played along with Beer Barrel Polka and many more traditional favorites.

Through the summer months, the Jackson Municipal Band will be giving a concert every Thursday at 8 p.m. at the band shell. There is no charge for these concerts and a special guest will be present each week.

Entrance to the shall parking lot is off Route D, just past Pocahontas Lumber. Lawn chairs should be brought for seating.