“This, That and the Other” was the theme Monday as event-goers gathered in Fort Atkinson’s Barrie Park to listen to music performed by the Fort Atkinson Community Band.
The summer concert series is in its 63rd year.
Four more concerts remain in the series, each on a Monday night, throughout July and into the first week of August.
Event-goers are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets, although some seating is provided by the Fort Atkinson Parks and Recreation Department.
The concerts are free and open to the public, although donation boxes are available during performances for those who would like to help support the band.
As earlier reported by Fort Atkinson Online, Fort Atkinson Community Band Director Wayne Crook noted that some funding traditionally used to support the band will continue this year, and become discontinued in 2024. An earlier story about the band’s funding is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/fort-community-band-seeks-funding-city-to-discontinue-contribution-in-2024/.
This year, ice cream socials will be held in conjunction with the concerts.
Monday’s ice cream social was sponsored by the First Congregational United Church of Christ, with proceeds benefiting the Unity Project of Fort Atkinson.
Crook noted in a recent news release that musical selections chosen for performances throughout the series are in “all styles of music” and “for all ages to enjoy.
“Every concert includes traditional marches, show tunes, swing music, polkas, soloists, novelty selections, and Latin and traditional symphonic band literature,” Crook said.
Concerts will move to the Trinity Lutheran Church, located across the street from Barrie Park at 314 Barrie St., Fort Atkinson, in cases of inclement weather.
An earlier story, including the band’s full summer season itinerary, is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/summertime-music-forts-community-band-offers-full-itinerary-whitewater-continues-with-savory-sounds/.
Photos from Monday’s concert follow.
Members of the First Congregational United Church of Christ manning the ice cream social tables Monday, at left, aid event-goers as they make purchases. Along with ice cream, the members offered an array of pies and cookies. Proceeds benefited the Unity Project of Fort Atkinson.
The Rev. Paul Johnsen, a former pastor of First United Methodist Church, Fort Atkinson, between 2017 and 2021, serving today at Monona United Methodist Church, at right, makes the acquaintance of the Rev. Dr. Sara Rabe, the minister serving Fort Atkinson’s First Congregational United Church of Christ, at left. The First Congregational United Church of Christ sponsored Monday’s ice cream social.
Fort Atkinson Community Band Director Wayne Crook on Monday welcomes spectators to Barrie Park.
Janesville residents Alician and Keith Pearce dogsit their son, Adrian’s dog “Margaret.” Adrian plays the trumpet in the Fort Atkinson Community Band.
Two photos above: Band concert attendees stand for “Shche ne vmerla Ukrainas,” Ukraine’s national anthem. The selection is played at the opening of each concert, a tradition begun by the band last summer, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022.
Two photos above: At top, a cymbals player contributes to the performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” while, above, spectators rise for the national anthem.
Two photos above: Members of the evening’s sizable crowd enjoy the band’s rendition of “March Grandioso.”
Wayne Crook directs the Fort Atkinson Community Band during its renditions of “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” and “Espirit De Corps.”
Flanked by members of the Fort Atkinson Woman’s Club, Fort Atkinson Community Band Director Wayne Crook is presented with a $500 donation made by the club in support of the band.
Chris Spangler photos.
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