Pensacola Civic Band presents 'Sousa Celebration'

In the spirit of the old/new tradition of the Evenings in Olde Seville Square, the Pensacola Civic Band returns from 7-9:15 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, featuring a concert filled with music from John Philip Sousa, also known as "The March King." Don Snowden, director of the Pensacola Civic Band, has orchestrated a program reminiscent of his music and this great land of ours. Opening the evening will be the Pensacola Opera with excerpts from the upcoming season. This concert is sponsored by Baptist Health Care and Northminster Presbyterian Church.

John Philip Sousa was famous for his marches, characterized by bouncing rhythms, catchy tunes and brilliant instrumentation that has kept them at the top of popularity polls. Although he was known as "The March King," his influence on American bands and music was much greater. Concertgoers will be treated to many of Sousa's best-loved pieces such as "The Washington Post," and will also hear pieces that may not be as familiar, but have the unmistakable Sousa imprint.

The Pensacola Opera will give a preview of their upcoming show season and will feature highlights from Verdi's La Traviata and Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro. The evening's artists include Sewell Griffith, Ann Ferguson, Ghada Pribble, Timothy Kennedy and members of the opera chorus. They are accompanied by Blake Riley on piano.?

Tim Jackson's MR. BIG Band returns to the Square on Thursday, July 27 with very danceable music of the last quarter century.

When attending concerts, bring a lawn chair or a blanket for seating. Also, bring your appetite! Located on Alcaniz Street, concession stands offer hot dogs, barbecue, nachos, snacks and the "Evening's" famous freshly popped popcorn as well as frozen desserts, soft drinks and bottled water.

Since 1988, these musicfilled evenings have become a "new" tradition, recreating the popular concerts held in the city's park at the turn of the 19th century. The 2006 summer season features 14 concerts with a wide variety of musical talents and tastes each Thursday from 7-9:15 p.m. in historic Seville Square. The "Evenings" are free thanks to our sponsors and are presented by the Pensacola Heritage Foundation in cooperation with the City of Pensacola and the West Florida Historic Preservation.