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Happy June, everyone! The month of Summer, Weddings,
Pride and FREE Junction City Community Band Concerts!
Who doesn't love free things?
My family sure does. That's why my family has been going to these free band concerts since they started in the 90s. Every Sunday in June, I remember packing the lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks and driving to Heritage Park to listen to the band. There we heard music performed by local musicians while watching the lighting bugs fly and eating our watermelon. It was one of the highlights of my childhood summers.
Now, I get to share these concerts with my children, but things are a little different.
In 2010, the band concerts were moved to the C.L. Hoover Opera House to provide a home with much-needed air conditioning and more seating.
They have stayed free, with the option of purchasing concessions to help with the cost of music and scholarships.
With the absence of a university, college, or community college music department in Junction City, the Community Band relies heavily on the local school employees for directors and the school students for players. Students and adults from as far as Abilene and Lawrence come together to make up the band.
Local vocal performers get the chance to perform with the band as well. I was honored when I was asked to sing with the band since I have such wonderful memories of band concerts.
This free event is family-friendly and even does a Children’s March at every concert. My children (8 yrs. 6 yrs. and 2 yrs.) love going to the band concerts to see real instruments and see people playing them 'in real life'. I loved that my children have been exposed to live music and gain an appreciation for a different music than what is played on the radio.
Make the Junction City Community Band a family tradition for your children to remember forever!
All Concerts start at 7 PM
June 4th, June 11th, June 18th, June 25th