‘American Patriotic Pops’ concert attracts large audience to Barrie Park

The “American Patriotic Pops,” Fort Atkinson Community Band concert on Monday attracted a large audience to Barrie Park.

The evening’s program included a potpourri of patriotic songs, selections by American composers and a poem titled “Bullets & Bravery,” written by Fort Atkinson’s “Radio Ron” Stelse.

Band Director Wayne Crook offered a few word, kicking off the program at 7:30 p.m. 

A colorguard comprised of members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Vietnam Veterans of America presented the colors for the “Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by a salute to all men and women who served their country in the armed forces with an arrangement entitled “Salute to Freedom.” 

The complete concert program included: “Star-Spangled Banner,” “Salute to Freedom/Bullets & Bravery,” “An American Spectacular,” “Broadway Tribute,” “Memories of Steven Foster,” “Navy Hymn,” “Lady of Spain,” “Penny Whistle Jig,” “School Room Dixie,” “Irving Berlin Songs of America” and “Sounds of Sousa.” 

The Fort Atkinson Community Band’s other summer concert dates include July 19, Aug. 2, Aug. 16 and Aug. 23.

Photos from Monday’s event follow. 

Seated in lawn chairs, on blankets and picnic tables, and even a few rows of seating provided by event organizers, some 100 people arrive at Barrie Park to enjoy the “American Patriotic Pops” concert held Monday night. 

The band assembles and warms up in advance of the evening’s concert. 

Band Director Wayne Crook welcomes those in attendance to the evening’s program. 

Above three photos: A colorguard, comprised of members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Vietnam Veterans of America, presents the colors for the “Star-Spangled Banner.” 

Audience members rise for the band’s rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner.” 

“Radio Ron” Stelse recites his poem: “Bullets & Bravery.” 

Director Wayne Crook conducts the band. 

Above two photos: Several members of the band perform. 

Above five photos: Event-goers enjoy the concert. 

Arriving by bicycle, a couple finds seating atop a decorative wall near the park’s centerpiece. 

A member of the colorguard visits with audience members. 

Above two: With music as backdrop, young event-goers play in the park. 

Kim McDarison photos. 

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