Let freedom ring

Patriotic concert planned on county courthouse lawn

Brownstown Fund for the Arts will present the annual summer concert by the Columbus City Band at 2 p.m. June 28 on the lawn of the Jackson County Courthouse.

Those attending may bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the music under the trees.

The band is under the direction of Stephen E. McGrew, who is a Jackson County resident. He was director of bands at Seymour High School for 32 years until his retirement in 2001.

Other Jackson County musicians in the band include Jo McGrew, Dick Parman, Lois Bryden, Ellen Mirer, Diane Brown, Richard Branaman, Ron Duncan and Monica Doty.

The band plays at many venues throughout the state and makes an appearance each year during the Jackson County Fair. Membership is open to anyone who plays a band instrument. The band’s roster generally includes 50 to 60 musicians.

The band plays a variety of military, concert and symphonic band music. Traditionally, the Jackson County concert is conducted the weekend before July 4, and the audience is treated to several patriotic pieces during the program.

The concert, sponsored by membership donations to Brownstown Fund for the Arts, is free.