No rain-outs for Municipal Band: James Madison will host concerts during inclement weather

Julie Peitz Nickell, The Hawk Eye
·4 min read

One Sunday last summer, Burlington Municipal Band musicians watched the weather, hopeful they could perform an Americana-themed concert for their weekly outdoor audience in Crapo Park.

But rain, cold and wind left them with no option but to cancel.

The park's ground was saturated, and even if the rain were to let up, the band didn't want its equipment van to leave ruts, Jim Priebe, president of the Muni Band's foundation, explained on Facebook.

That won't happen this year.

The Burlington School District has granted permission for the band to move inside the former James Madison school building near Crapo Park if inclement weather strikes.

"Last summer we had three concerts canceled because of threatening weather — a record as far as I know," said Priebe, who will direct the band's July 17 concert.

"Needless to say, we are extremely pleased and grateful for the generous response of the BCSD," he said.

"In the future, if weather is threatening, we will make a decision by 5:30 p.m. and, if the concert is moving to James Madison, it will be announced on the band’s website at www.muniband.org, on the band’s Facebook page, and broadcast on KBUR."

The band's first appearance of the season will be when the musicians play for the American Legion/Veteran's Council Memorial Day ceremonies at Memorial Auditorium at 10:30 a.m. Monday.

"We’re really excited to be playing for the Memorial Day ceremonies again. We consider doing this a civic responsibility and COVID caused us to miss the 2020 and 2021 events," said Priebe. "Having a part in remembering and honoring our country’s fallen heroes and its veterans is very important to us and we’re grateful to have a part in doing that."

The band's first regular concert will be the "Teddy Bear's Picnic" at 7:30 p.m. on June 5.

As the band plays the 1907 tune "Teddy Bear's Picnic," by John Walter Bratton, children of all ages are invited to march in front of the bandshell with their teddy bears.

As a part of the band's continuing educational outreach initiative, six talented middle school students — two from Edward Stone Middle School, three from West Burlington Middle schools, and one from New London Middle School — will perform with the band on two selections.

"Our goal is to make these talented students feel welcomed by our band’s members and we hope that they will not only enjoy the musical experience but will discover that playing in a band is something that is enjoyed by people of all ages," said Priebe.

"The funding for this educational outreach concert has been provided by a grant from the Des Moines County Community Foundation and that we are truly grateful for their support," he said.

Here's a list of this summer's concert dates. The free concerts are held at the Crapo Park Band Shell on Grandview Drive at 7:30 p.m., with these conductors:

  • June 5, Carmen Lachnitt;

  • June 12, Janel Horn;

  • June 19, Adam Creager;

  • June 26, Ron Coberley;

  • July 3, Derrick Murphy;

  • July 10, Mark Eveleth;

  • July 17, Jim Priebe;

  • July 24, Michael Knight;

  • and July 31, Arnie Anderson. Burlington Municipal Jazz Band will play before the concert.

The final concert on Aug. 7 will be the "Round Robin" concert with multiple conductors. The list is subject to change.

Listeners can sit on park benches near the bandshell, or bring their own lawn chairs or blankets, perhaps to sit near the illuminated Foehlinger Fountain.

Besides KBUR's usual delayed concert broadcasts at 9 p.m., the band will live-stream its concerts for those unable to attend in person.

"Details of how to access this live stream will be forthcoming," said Priebe.

Though the Burlington Municipal Band was funded by the City of Burlington for more than 80 years, it now depends on private donations. People can donate through the band's website, muniband.org.

The Muni Band has performed at Crapo Park since 1927, and concertgoers at the bandshell get a magnificent view of the Mississippi River and the Illinois farmlands spread below.

This article originally appeared on The Hawk Eye: Muni Band returns for Memorial Day ceremony; set to start concert season on June 5