The Lake George Community Band Festival kicks off this Friday, July 15, in Shepard Park with Jazz Night. The Ballston Spa Community Jazz Band opens the Festival, taking the stage at 5:30 p.m. Big Band Ottawa follows at 6:30 and Center Stage Jazz of Plainville, Connecticut closes out the evening with a performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. The Festival continues Saturday, July 16, with opening statements at 10:45 a.m. followed by a full day of performances. The Festival concludes with a Grand Finale performance by the Lake George and the Honeoye Falls Bands of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with booming cannons.
This is the 12th year for the Festival, which brings community bands from across the Northeast and Canada to the Amphitheatre in Shepard Park. According to LGCB Marketing Director and trumpeter Dale Perry, the Festival is the largest of its kind in the Northeast. Music selections include jazz, motion picture themes, television and Broadway show tunes, patriotic marches and more. Saturday’s performance of the 1812 Overture, says Perry, is a “don’t miss performance.” Tchaikovsky’s rousing tribute to Russia’s defense against French invasion climaxes with a volley of cannon fire, the timing of which is tricky, says Perry. The bands will re-create the cannon fire and smoke of battle by shooting black powder into 55-gallon barrels.
The Lake George Community Band was formed in 2003. Originally conceived as a marching band to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lake George Village, the Community Band is now a staple in the area music scene hosting a Thursday night concert series in Shepard Park each summer and performing at the Charles R. Wood Theater and Lake George High School in the spring and fall. Each year the Lake George Community Band helps the Village of Lake George ring in the holiday season with a performance of Christmas music at the Village’s annual “Lite up the Village” celebration.
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For more information, visit the LGCB Facebook page. Shepard Park is an outdoor venue. Bring a chair or blanket for seating. In the event of rain, the Festival will be moved to lake George High School on Canada Street.
1812 Overture Performed by the Honeoye Falls, Irondequoit & Corning Area Community Bands