The Observation Deck

Lakewood Hometown Band tonight.

This evening will feature the music of Sousa, and there may be a few surprises!

Sunday - 17 August-This Evening

Concert: 7:00 P.M.; Lakewood Park, at Lake Rd and Belle Ave

If there would be a weather issue, the concert will be held at Lakewood City Hall Auditorium, 12650 Detroit Ave Lakewood, OH 44107;

Loras John Schissel, Conducting

Just got back from the Hometown Band's rehearsal.

They have compiled an outstanding selection of tunes.

Additionally, my dad, WWII veteran, 94 year-old Robert R. Rice will be conducting The American Veterans Last Salute March this evening as a guest with the band.

A longtime Lakewood Schools Director, Dad was with the Lakewood Schools from 1958-1983 and is a Lakewood Schools Staff Hall of Fame member.

Dad and I composed the Veterans March several years back. This is the first formal recognition in band music for America's veterans, of which we are aware. The march has received Congressional Recognition and is dedicated to John Shepherd, America's longest-lived veteran and a North Royalton pioneer. A Revolutionary War vet, Shepherd lived to the age of 117 years and served with George Washington.

Shepherd was also a drummer for awhile. I will be performing on an authentic period battle drum on this occasion in Shepherd's memory.

(It will be hard to be away from the banjo, but after all, what is a banjo but a drum with a handle?)

Well everyone,

Dad and I hope that you enjoyed the concert as much as we did.

Flawless, from beginning to end.

The City sound crew was on hand, and delivered a first class balance to an appreciative audience.

Introductions were handled by Lakewood Mayor Michael Summers, and the Master of Ceremonies, Jim Mehrling, courtesy of 104.9, WCLV classical FM.

World-class conductor Loras John Schissel directed a superlative program, featuring an eclectic mix of Sousa selections, along with Beethoven's Egmont Overture, and featuring the outstanding cornet soloist, Jack Brndiar on several special selections.

The professional performing musicians who play this event are among the finest in the world.

Dad and I were honored to have been included among their number by our American Veterans Last Salute March being a special feature just before the intermission. Dad's conducting was spot-on, and my battle drum, being similar to the drum once carried by John Shepherd, America's longest-lived veteran (117 years) from the Revolutionary War, echoed across the plains of Lakewood Park and served to starkly remind the audience of the somber costs of war for America's veterans.

Special thanks go out to Musical Coordinator Donald F. Santa Emma. Don has been THE strong advocate and organizer for our Lakewood Hometown Band program for many years. These sorts of professional programs do not happen by accident. Indeed, many towns have abandoned their band programs. It's a real feather in Lakewood's cap that we at least were able to host the Hometown Band event this this year. Hopefully in the next few years, we will be able to again expand the number of these concerts!

Music for this performance was funded in a joint effort between the City of Lakewood, the Recording Industries Music Performance Trust Fund, and in cooperation with Local 4, American Federation of Musicians.