The Observation Deck

Good Friends in Lakewoodland,

On Sunday August 13th, at 7 p.m., the Lakewood Hometown Band will perform it's 50th year anniversary concert at Lakewood Park under the capable baton of Loras John Schissel. The band is comprised as an association of area professional musicians, many of whom serve with the Cleveland Orchestra and other fine musical organizations around the area. Schissel himself is a nationally renowned director who has conducted the Blossom Festival Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra's 4th of July programs over the years.

An exciting and eclectic program of inspiring music is planned for your enjoyment. In past years, in case of rain, the group has used city hall as a fallback location. Not sure about this year but gee, but does it EVER rain in August?

Back to the banjo.

50 years...what an impressive tradition!
Here are a couple of Gary's wonderful columns over the years about LHB.
Many folks don't realize that the band was started by professionals....it's no accident that they are so good!

http://lakewoodobserver.com/read/2007/0 ... d-hometown
http://lakewoodobserver.com/read/2011/0 ... etown-band

I was wondering about this fellow… thanks for checking in, sir, and for letting us know about this wonderful milestone!

Great memories of going with the kids and my parents to the concerts back in the days of Wayne Mack being Master of Ceremonies. Always ended with the Stars and Stripes Forever with the piccolo solos. So many other communities have now copied a Lakewood tradition.

Thanks to all of you for your ongoing support of a great Lakewood musical tradition!

I was just reflecting on the many wonderful musical moments that have transpired on that stage. in 1970, I was playing drums with my rock band SKIE in a neck and neck battle against HAZE on that stage (we tied) Several times on that stage near the end of Dad's life, the Lakewood Hometown Band showcased my dad (retired Lakewood band, orchestra, and choral director Robert Rice) conducting, (and me drumming with) the American Veterans Last Salute March. This was a band march that Dad and I composed for America's veterans.

After my dear late mom passed away, I got Dad a music writing and publishing program for our computer. As an Army (WWII) band arranger and performer, Dad took to that like a duck takes to water. On the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg address, Dad and I were invited to conduct and perform with the American Festival Pops Orchestra, near Washington D.C. We received Congressional recognition for our march, as the veterans had never had a song of their own.

I'll attach a shot of Dad and me performing the march with the LHS band. Dad was 91 at the time.I'll also attach a photo of the band SKIE on that stage some 47 years ago, (If I'm remembering correctly, I think that a young Jimmy O'Bryan was in the audience!)

(By the way, my red coat was proper for American Revolutionary War era band personnel. It is not a British outfit)

Back to the banjo...