Bicentennial Closing Ceremony followed by Akron Community Band concert on July 7
Closing ceremonies for the Town of Newstead Bicentennial, including a look at the time capsule, are planned at 7 p.m. this Friday night, July 7, in the Russell Park Gazebo followed by the Akron Community Band’s (ACB) third concert in their 100th season at 8 p.m.
“The Seventies” is the theme for Friday’s concert as the band continues a season of celebrating each decade with music popular at that time. Akron Community Band is under the direction of Holly Meides and Karlyn Backus.
A bit of history
In 1948 Lester Remsen who had played in the U.S. Marine Band for several years, directed the band. In that year there were 55 members. A clown band composed of some of the members was formed and they took many first prizes in parades. That year Neptune was taken out of the fountain, much to many old timers regret, and the fountain was made into a band stand. Mr. Remsen, who played in the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, brought several members from that orchestra, to play in the band in Akron.
In 1949 the band was kept busy during the Centennial celebration. They played on the trip on the Peanut train and gave concerts through the week.
In 1950 Theodore Stapleton became a member of the band and became director in 1951. He graduated from the Eastman School of Music and was band instructor in the Akron Elementary School. Frank Columbus, Akron Central High School’s Instrumental Director, was Mr. Stapleton’s assistant. Frank Columbus directed the band for several years, and during this time James Gerber was a young man who played the oboe.
An oboe, bassoon, English horn, clarinet and sax player, James Gerber joined the Akron (Community) Band as a musician in June of 1958. He became Music Director for the organization in June of 1967 retaining that position until his death in 2017.
Refreshment stand
The Friends of the Newstead Public Library will benefit from Refreshment Stand sales on July 7. Different organizations offer refreshments each Friday night.
Future dates
There is no rain location this year. The band does everything possible to get a concert in each Friday night. Unless the radar shows there is no possibility of clearing by 8 p.m. the band will not cancel the concert prior to its scheduled start.
Remaining concerts, sponsored by the Village of Akron and Town of Newstead begin at 8 p.m. in the Russell Park gazebo, Main St., Akron on Friday, July 14, Friday, July 21, Friday, July 28, Friday, August 4; Friday, August 11.
All concerts are free to the public. Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended. There is some seating available in Russell Park.
In addition to their “Seventies” concert on July 7, the band is featuring a different decade of musical selections each of the Fridays this season.