MUNY BAND SEASON STARTS THURSDAY

JACKSON -- The Jackson Municipal Band will kick off its 1996 concert season Thursday at 8 p.m. in the city park.

Special guest for Thursday's concert will be Johnathan Stewart, a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in vocal performance.

Stewart attended graduate school at Indiana University and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and has performed with the Shorter Chorale, St. Louis Voices and served as assistant conductor for the St. Louis Chamber Chorus.

He is now the music director for Centenary Methodist Church, where he directs five handbell choirs -- including two collegiate choirs -- and four vocal groups. Johnathan lives in Jackson with his wife, Pam, and their children, Michael and Heather.

Thursday night he will perform "Music of the Night" from "Phantom of the Opera," "Come Fly with Me" and "Love is a Many Splendored Thing".

The band's portion of the concert will include "Marriage of Figaro," "Golden Sliphorns," "Misty," featuring Pat Schwent on alto saxophone and many marches, including "C.B.D.N.A.", "Broadway's Best" and Sousa's "Fairest of the Fair".

The Jackson Municipal Band will perform every Thursday night through June and July. Guest artists this season will include Coyote Cheek, June 13; Bob King, June 20; Steve Schaffner, June 27; Robin Hosp, July 4; singing waiters from "Spotlight Tonight"; Julie Walker, July 18; and Mike Dumey, July 25.

Concerts will be held in the band shell at Jackson City Park. Admission is free. Bring a lawn chair. Entrance to the parking lot is off Route D across from McCombs Funeral Home.