Biggest performance of the summer to take place next week
NEGAUNEE -- After more than 100 years of experience playing music for the community, the Negaunee City Band says it knows what its fans like.
A roster of music favorites at every performance keeps their audiences coming back for more every time, even if it means thinking outside of the box when looking for the best seat "in the house."
Whether it’s under an umbrella, on a wet bench, or buckled in a car, these fans won't miss out the chance to grab a seat for a Negaunee City Band performance.
Some city bands might cancel a performance in bad weather, but in Negaunee, the music must go on.
"We are really passionate about music, and people are really passionate about watching us play,” said flute player Nancy LaChapelle.
And with such highly committed fans, the Negaunee City Band promises to make it worth their while. Many in the group practice everyday in order to play their best throughout the 90-minute performances. That stamina is something newcomers to the band have to adjust to.
"I thought my jaw would die, I hadn't played in 10 years,” said Band Treasurer Bruce Houghton. “If you aren’t used to that, your chops get sore.”
Twelve in the 30-member band have formal music education experience under their belt, and Director Keith Lawson says they have what they need to continue a great run this year.
"This particular summer may be one of our strongest groups again,” says Lawson.
The 30 members will grow to 80 next week, for their biggest show of the summer; members of another band will be joining them for a one-time performance. The band shell the Negaunee City Band plays at each week may just be too small for this performance, so they'll be playing at the Negaunee High School auditorium to make room for a few more musicians--the U.S. Regional Air Force Band.
The show will take place Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
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