Patriotic American Music will echo through the downtown as the band prepares to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. The program traces two-and-a-half centuries of American music, culminating with the community fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July. Emcees “Ben and Betsy” (Frank Furfaro and Stephanie Diehl) will guide the audience through musical highlights spanning the nation’s history.

The concert opens with a presentation of colors by VFW Post 7011 Color Guard. The first featured guests, the Mifflin County Color Guard, will set the tone by twirling patriotic colored flags to “Strike Up the Band.” The band’s program then moves into Revolutionary-era selections, including “Chester” and an “American Salute.” Miss Stephanie’s Dancers will join for a World War I era segment featuring “Four Cohen Songs.”

The Eight-to-the-Bar Sisters’ final performance is a World War II set, performing favorites “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Organized in 2015 under the direction of Terri Limes, the talented vocal group has performed sacred and secular repertoire at various venues across the state. They first sang under the name, “Sisters of Song” and later adopted the name “Eight-to-the-bar Sisters.” Katie Becker, Chris Ferencz, Lori Thomas, Stephanie Diehl, Pauli Belfoire, and Freda Richard will boogie that bugle boy one more time.

The Community Choir, directed by Terry Limes, continues the patriotic thread with a medley including “United We Stand with Battle Hymn” and “Armed Forces Salute: Pride of America.” This moving presentation of service songs will honor veterans as each branch’s flag is presented, allowing attendees to stand and be acknowledged by those in the crowd.

Photo by SHARON MARSH
The Lewistown Community Band and Choir put the finishing touches on a combined medley of military service songs.

As evening approaches and anticipation builds for the fireworks, the band will shift to more contemporary American favorites, featuring arrangements inspired by The Beach Boys and Neil Diamond. The program will also present a selection from the “Semiquincentennial March” by hometown composers Caleb Noerr and Marquise Siennick, celebrating young community creativity. The concert concludes with the perennial favorite “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

Bring a lawn chair and a small American flag and join the Lewistown Community Band for “My America,” a joyous hometown tribute to 250 years of American music. All are welcome. A freewill donation will be collected to help offset the costs of presenting the programs. The rain date is Sunday, June 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Photo by SHARON MARSH
The Mifflin County Color Guard adds a splash of red, white and blue to the band’s performance. Pictured are, from left, Micheal Baumgardner, Cadence Diehl and Peyton Colyer.