The weather outside was frightful, but the music inside was delightful Sunday night as the Emporia Municipal Band gave a free concert in the Granada Theatre.
When the concert began, with a medley of Christmas music, the temperature on Commercial Street was 10 degrees and falling and a gusty north wind was driving snakes of snow down the pavement. The weather limited the audience to the brave and determined.
One of the purposes of the concert was to raise money for the band’s summer program of concerts at Fremont Park. Hit by financial troubles, the city has reduced the allocation for the 150-year-old band which will mean, at least, a reduction in the number of concerts next summer.
Because of the harsh weather Sunday night, turnout was light — about 200 people. In spite of that, the band raised about $1,500 in donations and received a pledge for $500 more.
Roger Hartsook, who was the announcer for the concert, said another 50 people attended an earlier rehearsal.
People who would like to donate to support the band may write a check, marked for the band, to the Emporia Community Foundation and send it to the foundation at 527 Commercial St., Emporia, KS 66801.
kansasgirl (anonymous) says...
Hopefully more people will donate to the Municipal Band. The band concerts in the summer have been a long time tradition and it would be very sad to see that tradition disappear. I grew up in the neighborhood of Freemont Park and it was always a great way for our family and neighbors to enjoy the summer evenings. My parents, who are retired, still enjoy the summer concerts as do I when I get a chance to come home. Keep the good things in Emporia for future families.
December 15, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )