At the Gazebo this week: The Big Band Theory

August 1 will not only bring the Emanuel UCC Ice Cream Social, but “The Big Band Theory” is scheduled to come to the gazebo stage at 7:30 pm this Thursday evening. Come on out and hear jazz standards, pop, and rock as performed by a VERY big band–so big, in fact, a rumor has been circulating that the gazebo may not be quite large enough to hold it! (If that is, indeed true, the concert will go on–on the Wurster Park lawn in front of the gazebo!)

The Big Band Theory plays a variety of music from big band standards to jazz, classic favorites, and pop/rock. You never know–you just might hear “In the Mood” in between the theme to “Mission Impossible” and “Uptown Funk.” This versatile group will surprise and delight your senses.

The band includes alto sax, tenor sax, baritone sax, flute, clarinet, trumpet and flugelhorn, trombone, guitar, bass, piano, and drums, so there is instrumentation for everyone to enjoy.

There are just two gazebo concerts left this season, so don’t miss this one! Bring along a blanket or chair for comfortable seating; enjoy dinner at one of our downtown eateries or at the Emanuel ice cream social at the “brick church” just a half-block down on Main Street. Or, pre-order your boxed picnic from Frank’s Place, one of our 2019 Gazebo Concert sponsors by Wednesday and enjoy it while you listen.

Speaking of sponsors, Riverfolk Arts & Music Organization generously sponsors this series along with the Manchester Wellness Coalition in coordination with the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation. Other sponsors include LaRock Dental and Edward Jones–Jody Flowers, both located here in Manchester! Thank you to our sponsors as well as our loyal Gazebo Concert attendees, who so generously donate when we pass the basket at each intermission.

Donations play a big role in our future concerts as they provide from 30-50% of the fees paid out to performers. The rest is provided by sponsors and grants obtained by Riverfolk volunteers behind the scenes. If you’d like to help the gazebo concert series continue for 2020, you may donate online at www.riverfolkarts.org.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.