Murphys, CA…The 2017 music season in Murphys Community Park will get an exciting and eclectic kick-off when the Calaveras Community Band presents a special Memorial Day concert under the direction of conductor Mic Harper on Monday, May 29, at 6:30 p.m. There is no admission charge for the program that will honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces in the past and those currently stationed around the world. The band will play a service song for each branch of the military, Sousa Marches, popular tunes from Sinatra, a Beach Boys medley, Four of a Kind featuring the trumpet section, and many more summer-in-the-park tunes.

Families and other members of the community are invited to pack a picnic dinner and enjoy this start of the season concert. There will not be any food or beverages for sale in the park.

The Calaveras Community Band traces its history to the days following the Gold Rush. Men would brush away the grime of the mines, put on a uniform, grab their horns and entertain the crowds at many public functions. Creating music brought extra meaning to their lives and provided a counterpoint to the stresses of the day.  In those times it was known as the Angels Camp Miners Band, the Murphys Independent Cornet Band, and a dozen other names as the years passed.

Through the cooperation of the Murphys Community Club, during the warm-weather months the band holds its weekly Monday rehearsals in the park’s distinctive gazebo starting with a short informal concert at 6:30 PM, followed by the rehearsal from 7:30 to 8:30 PM.

“Please join us, bring some food and beverage, and relax for the evening with family and friends in Murphys beautiful park” says Harper.

The band is always looking for musicians to join it in providing entertainment throughout Calaveras County.

“We invite members of our community who play a musical instrument to join us in keeping the tradition of live community band music alive in Calaveras County.” says Harper.  “We are a fun group that gets great joy out of providing all forms of band music in the Mother Lode. No matter your age, you can find a place with us. Many people who have not played for years discover that they still have chops.”

Anyone wanting to learn more about becoming a band member should call Carol Betz at 728-9057. The band’s website is calaverascommunityband.org.

Murphys Community Park is located on Algiers St. in historic downtown Murphys. The Murphys Community Club, that has oversight of the park, is hosting eight music-centered events from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Membership in the club is open to everyone and contributions are tax deductible. For further information, call 728-8183, or click on the Community Club link at visitmurphys.com.
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