O'Fallon Bands Return For More Jammin'

The make their return performances tonight as part of the O'Fallon Jammin' summer concert series.

"They perform every year, twice each year," said Marsha Seymour, manager of tourism and festivals for the city. "The first time they performed this year was before the Fourth of July. They get a really good turnout. A lot of the band members' family and friends show up."

The outdoor performance runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, in , 308 Civic Park Drive, O'Fallon. Bring blankets or chairs for seating on the lawn around the bandstand.

Admission and parking is free, concessions will be available for purchase. In the event of extreme heat, the concert start time might be delayed.  Call the O'Fallon Event Hotline at 636-379-5614 for the latest update.

"The Jazz Band starts at 5:30 and then the Community Band starts at around 7:15," said Gene Garza, director of both bands. "Each band plays 90 minutes."

The city of O'Fallon launched the two bands in 1988. "My wife and I were playing in the band at that time," Garza said. "In 1997 I became conductor."

The Jazz Band is scheduled to perform around a dozen tunes, include Up a Lazy River, Fly Me to the Moon, Danny Boy, MacArthur Park, Up, Up and Away and How Long Has This Been Going On? Saxophone player Steve Schumacher will put down his horn for two songs where he will be the featured vocalist.

"This is his first time singing solo. He was part of a vocal group last time," Garza said. "He's looking forward to it."

The 50-member Community Concert Band will follow with a tribute to American composer George Gershwin, music from movie blockbusters, selections fromCarousel and Claude T. Smith’s piece Intrada, Adoration and Praise.

"He's a Missouri composer from Independence," Garza said. "This is one I played with another group, liked it and decided to get it for our band."

How does Garza decide what music to play from show to show?

"I look to see what we have done and sometimes I'll get some new music. We try not to play the same songs over and over," he said. "I look for songs I enjoy conducting, the band enjoys playing and the audience enjoys hearing."

Band members range in age from 80-something to teens. "There's four or five that are from the original band and a core group that's there no matter what," Garza said. "We get some college and high school kids in the summer. We have all kinds."

Naturally, Garza doesn't play favorites among the bands. "I have no preference, I like them both. They're a lot of work but a lot of fun, too. I just enjoy music, period."

The O'Fallon Jammin' series runs most Tuesdays through August and continues with Laytham and Holmes Duo (Aug. 9), Fanfare (Aug. 16), Trixie Delight (Aug. 23) and Mirage (Aug. 30).

For more information visit the city's website.