HOULTON, Maine — A sure sign that summer has finally arrived is the return of McGill’s Community Band playing hot tunes in Monument Park every Thursday evening.
McGill’s begins its summer season of concerts at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 13, in Houlton’s Amphitheatre in Monument Park.
“We are looking forward to another season of giving the community a great family-oriented evening of music every Thursday in the park,” said Kevin Mania, assistant director and manager for the band. “We have been rehearsing since March, and have a couple of new songs for our listeners.”
For 34 years, McGills Community Band has entertained audiences throughout the summer with its collection of big band favorites, contemporary pieces and timeless classics.
McGill’s Community Band of Houlton was organized in 1985 as the fulfillment of David McGillicuddy’s dream. As instrumental director of SAD 29, McGillicuddy dreamed of forming a community band made up of local musicians that would perform in Monument Park on nice summer evenings as had been done in days past by the Houlton Town Band.
In 1985, approximately 55 area musicians came together to form McGill’s Community Band of Houlton. Today the band consists of musicians from Aroostook County and New Brunswick as well as out-of-state summer residents. Special guests who once played with the band also can be spotted throughout the summer.
Outdoor concerts are performed at 7 p.m. every Thursday (weather permitting) in Monument Park in the Houlton Amphitheater. The band also participates in Houlton’s Fourth of July parade and Midnight Madness celebration on Friday, July 3. The summer concert season ends Aug. 15. In the event of rain on that day, the concert will be moved to Houlton Community Arts Center.
