Riverfolk awarded grant for Sesquicentennial music performance

Dodworth Saxhorn Band. Photo courtesy of Manchester Sesquicentennial.

The Riverfolk Music and Arts Organization, in partnership with the Manchester Sesquicentennial Festival, was awarded a Michigan Humanities Council Arts and Humanities Touring Grant totaling $1,718, to co-present the Dodworth Saxhorn Band on August 3 and 4, 2017. The grant was submitted by Riverfolk Music and Arts Organization, whose mission is to provide music and arts experiences which nurture creativity and promote cultural diversity.

“When Riverfolk heard that the Manchester Area Historical Society was planning the Sesquicentennial, we knew we had to get the Dodworth Saxhorn Band to come be a part of our festivities. As Manchester’s arts organization, we have the connections, knowledge and resources to obtain granting necessary to present artists that will complement events,” said Aileen Rohwer, Riverfolk Music and Arts Board Member.

As America’s Premier 19th Century Brass Band, The Dodworth Saxhorn Band is committed to “Bringing America’s Musical Past to Life!” The band engages, educates and entertains audiences with period music, period instruments, period clothing and 21st Century theatrical interpretation. The Dodworth Saxhorn Band is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. The band presents historical, musical, educational, audience-interactive concerts, strolling festival performances, music for 19th Century Base Ball games, parades, dances and balls (costumed dance instructors provided), school performances and Civil War Reenactments. The Dodworth Saxhorn Band is represented by Great Lakes Performing Artist Associates based in Ann Arbor. For more information, go to greatlakespaa.org.

"The Dodworth Saxhorn Band's presence at two of our major Sesquicentennial events is a big boost for our emphasis on life in Manchester in the late 1860s, when the Village was incorporated. We're looking forward to hearing 'The Greatest Hits of 1867,' and having our residents and visitors enjoy what our ancestors heard and danced to back then. We are deeply grateful for the Michigan Humanities Council grant which helps make this all possible," said Ray Berg, Manchester Area Historical Society.

The Band will perform on Thursday, August 3 at the FREE Riverfolk Manchester Gazebo Concert in Wurster Park beginning at 7:30 pm, and then on Friday, August 4 as part of the Sesquicentennial Downtown Parade 6:30-7:30 pm.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.