MUNICIPAL BAND OPENS THURSDAY

The Jackson Municipal Band will open its 2000 concert season at the band shell in the City Park at 8 p.m., Thursday.

The Jackson Municipal Band had its beginning in 1920 when the Jackson Chamber of Commerce asked Mr. A.W. Roloff to start a band. The band practiced in Roloff s woodworking shop, using saw horses for benches until the citizens of Jackson passed a band tax and the gazebo on the courthouse lawn was completed in 1932.

It served as a stage for the group until July 1976 when the present band shell, located in the City Park, was dedicated The band has had eight conductors in its lifetime -- A.W. Roloff, Leroy Mason, Ed Carson, Richard Partridge, Linton Luetje, Alan Roland, Jim Rhodes, and Nick Leist who is completing his 33rd summer.

Current officers of the band are David Thompson, president, Steve Meier, vice president, and Patricia Schwent, secretary/ treasurer. Board members include Mike Grebing, Kenny Fluegge, and John Thompson.

Since its beginning, the Jackson Municipal band has and will continue to offer free concerts throughout the summer months and one annual Christmas concert.

Special guest for the opening concert is the bluegrass band Coyote Creek. The members are George Dickerson guitar and mandolin, Steve Parker on guitar, Rob Pensel on banjo, Joe Schoolfield on bass, and Michael Squires on fiddle. Coyote Creek is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the finest and most professional bluegrass bands in the Midwest. Local performances include Southern Iron Mountain Railroad, Octoberfest, Homecomers, and a regular act at the Black Forest functions. If you enjoy quality bluegrass music and a little fun mixed in, don't miss this performance.

The band's portion of the concert will include the following- Americans We, River of Life, Symphonic Duke, An Irish Party In Third Class (from Titanic), A Gallop To End All Gallops, Washington Post March, Broadway's Best, Circus Days, and the National Anthem, featuring Mr. Steve Meier, the voice of the Municipal Band.

Entrance to the shell parking lot is on Route D across from McCombs Funeral Home. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating and enjoy and evening of fine entertainment from Coyote Creek and the Jackson Municipal Band.