THE ANN ARBOR Civic Band (AACB), founded in 1935 as an extension of the University of Michigan’s School of Music, is in its 79th year of providing residents of Ann Arbor with outdoor concerts during the summer months. The Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Department oversees this concert in the park series. All performances are held in West Park, 215 Chapin St., at the band shell, on Wednesday evenings beginning at 8 p.m. There are concerts scheduled through July 23.
Wednesday, June 25, 8 p.m.
Featuring the theme: Big Band Swing
The Ann Arbor Civic Band’s second concert of its 79 season pays tribute to the Big Band Era. Put on your dancing shoes and swing to some of the greats of the Big Bands. The band performs the music of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, and others.
Wednesday, July 2, 8 p.m.
Featuring the theme: Fourth of July Celebration
The Ann Arbor Civic Band celebrates the United States of America’s 238th anniversary with a musical tribute to the spirit of a great nation and in honor of the brave men and women and their families who have answered the call to duty.
Wednesday, July 9, 8 p.m.
Featuring the theme: The Magic of Disney – Children’s Concert
The Ann Arbor Civic Band continues it season with the annual Children’s Concert and the Music of Disney. Children of all ages will thrill to the music from “Fantasia,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Lion King” and a medley of Disney favorites including: “The Mickey Mouse March,” “When You Wish Upon A Star,” “Hi Ho” and many more. Children are invited to march in the band’s annual Children’s March to Teddy Bear’s Picnic.
Wednesday, July 18, 8 p.m.
Featuring the theme: Broadway
The band will perform music from some of the most popular Broadway shows including: “Mame,” “Luck Be A Lady,” “Cabaret,” the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and many more great musical hits.
Wednesday, July 23, 8 p.m.
Featuring the theme: Movie Heroes
The Ann Arbor Civic Band’s concludes its series with the music written for heroes of the big screen. From Humphrey Bogart’s, Rick Blaine, in Casablanca (“As Time Goes By”) and Peter O’Toole’s portrayal of Lawrence of Arabia, to Harrison Ford’s roles in “Star Wars” and “Raiders” to Pixar’s heroes “You’ve Got a friend in Me” (“Toy Story”), “The Spirit of Adventure” (“Up”), “The Glory Days” (“The Incredibles”), “The Big Race” (“Cars”) and “Ratatouille.” And no tribute to movie heroes would be complete without Bond … James Bond.
For additional information visit the Ann Arbor Civic Band’s website www.annarborcivicband.org or the City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation website www.a2gov.org/government/communityservices/Parks-Recreation/