LEE-ROWAN INVESTS IN JACKSON; BANDS PLAY ON: MUNY BANDS ARE PART OF AREA CHARM

Few communities the size of Cape Girardeau and Jackson are fortunate enough to have municipal bands. But in each city the tax-supported bands have become fixtures, providing diversified musical entertainment out-of-doors beneath summer skies.

The bands serve a twofold purpose: to entertain, of course, but also to provide young musicians with opportunities to perform next to accomplished ones, some of whom have been members of the bands for the better part of their lifetimes.

Cape Girardeau has its guest conductor, someone from the community who usually knows nothing or little about music but is thrust into the spotlight for a few short moments to direct the band. At Jackson, guest entertainers, often local singers or musicians, augment the band concerts.

On any Wednesday evening in Cape Girardeau's Capaha Park and any Thursday evening in the Jackson City Park, large crowds of people can be found seated on lawn chairs or blankets taking in the sounds that music lovers of the respective communities have come to enjoy over the years.

Indeed, attending municipal band concerts is tradition with some folks, and it could be for many others as well. For those of you who haven't taken advantage of the free concerts, we suggest you give them a try.