Concert band to play free patriotic show

Suzie Harrison

The Laguna Beach Community Concert Band, a staple at events such

as the 75th anniversary of the city and the rededication of The

Lifeguard Tower to the Festival of Arts and Sawdust Festivals, will

offer a free patriotic program on Feb. 9.

The band will bring tunes that sparkle with red, white and blue to

the community with an American music program at 3 p.m. at Laguna

Beach High School’s Artists’ Theatre at 625 Park Ave. Program

chairwoman Carol Reynolds said she is thrilled about the performance.

“It’s going to be terrific, fantastic,” Reynolds said. “It’s part

of the Business Improvement District, it’s really been planned and is

geared around President’s weekend in honor of Lincoln.”

Reynolds said the concert will open with the American Legion Post

222 color guard presenting the colors followed by the “Star Spangled

Banner.”

Other highlights are a specialty tune by Native American flute

prodigy Evren Ozan, 9, playing with Greg White on Native America

drums. Reynolds said that she heard from locals about Evren’s skills

and that he had to be a part of the concert.

A tribute to Lincoln will be woven into the band’s music ending

with highlights from the Gettysburg Address.

“Emmy and Peabody award winner Bob Henry, producer of numerous

shows will be the emcee,” Reynolds said. “He’ll be introducing

vocalist Roxana Ward singing big band tunes accompanied by the band

and Pat Kollenda’s women’s barbershop chorus,” Reynolds said.

As usual, the concert will be conducted by director Bill Nichols

and assistant director Ed Peterson.