1st Nebraska had a busy weekend with concerts on Saturday and Sunday. First we played for the great audience at Aksarben Village Senior Living. It was so nice to play in air conditioning when wearing our wool coats. The audience knew many of the patriotic and some of the popular songs that we played including “Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean,” and “Listen to the Mockingbird.” We look forward to a return engagement.
This weekend was the annual John C Fremont Days festival in Fremont, NE. This is an annual performance for us, and we enjoy working with the great festival staff. There are a few sites around the city for festival events. Some children’s events are held on the campus of Midland University, while Living History demonstrations are held throughout the weekend at Barnard Park. 1NVBB plays in the chautauqua tent at the north end of John C Fremont park.
Yesterday’s weather was a hot 95 degrees with very high humidity. Musicians shirts were soaked through with perspiration from carrying their instruments a few blocks to the tent. So, we didn’t even bother putting on our wool coats for our concert. Fortunately for the audience there was a nice breeze, but most of the wind was blocked from the band by a mural behind the stage.
The band played very well in the heat and humidity, which is always a challenge. We performed our entire 2016 program of patriotic songs of the North and South, popular songs of the day, and selections from popular operas of the Civil War era. The crowd was very appreciative, and we surprised by visits from some of our friends. All in all a great day to make Civil War band music.
Next up for 1st Nebraska is a concert at Ft. Omaha on Sunday, August 14, from noon till 1:00 pm. We’re returning to perform at the Douglas County Historical Society’s “Vintage Wheels at the Fort” auto show. There are always a number of great restored cars at the show, and we will play on the grass next to Gen. Crook’s house. Bring your lawn chair and come out to listen at this free event.
1st Nebraska Volunteers Brass Band 