Summertime Concerts

You know summertime has arrived in this River City when you spend your early evenings down by the Mississippi in your lawn chairs listening to music. The breeze was perfect after two unusually warm June days in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin.

This Wednesday night marked the beginning of the 98th season of the La Crosse Concert Band with about 1600 folks in attendance.

After the traditional Star Spangled Banner, Mayor Kabot gave a brief history lesson of the La Crosse Concert Band before reading a proclamation.

$35 uniforms paid for by a musical fundraiser
photo courtesy of the website

You see, the band originally formed in 1930 with 32 male members and held their first concert on Memorial Day, 1931
donning uniforms made of blue broadcloth with white and red trim and were worn for 19 performances that first year in numerous parks throughout the City. Although there were female guest participants in subsequent years, it wasn't until 1969 that 3 women joined the Band. Band members were paid a quarter/practice and a $1.50/ performance. The Mayor refrained from making a minimum wage joke... almost.

Today's all volunteer band practices the day before each concert and has had between 50-70 members from all different kinds of  backgrounds and professions bringing together the community to listen to music alongside the Mississippi. 

A highlight of every concert is the children's march where a local flag company provides flags for the kids to march around waving.

As a reward for returning the flags after the parade, children receive local certificates for an ice cream from Ranison's AND a root beer float from Rudy's Drive-In. How swell is that?

Besides corporate sponsors and generous patrons, attendees dig into their pockets for the donation boxes that are passed around mid concert. Monies are being collected to help build a new band shell.

We are an appreciative community especially when we have such a special place to gather and listen to some good music. You just can't beat a better way to spend a summer evening with the river sunsets.