The Hot Springs Concert Band will launch its summer concert series with the annual Memorial Day concert at 3 p.m. Monday, May 30, in Whittington Park.
"The band is always proud to be able to perform this concert and for the first time in three years, thanks to the National Park Service, the concert will be held in our traditional venue, Whittington Park. The band is excited to be back in our familiar outdoor setting where our audience can again break out the lawn chairs, enjoy a cold drink in the shade, chitchat with some of our neighbors we haven't seen for a long time or perhaps haven't even met yet, and again pay tribute to those of our military who preserved for us the freedom to gather as we will on this special day," a news release said.
The band's artistic director and principal conductor, Craig Hamilton, "has come up with an excellent selection of music -- music which will stir your patriotism and reinvigorate the love you have for your country and the honor and respect we hold dear for those men and women of our military who gave their lives for our freedom," it said.
Selections will include "Americans We," "From Sea To Shining Sea," "An American Fanfare," "Missing Man, Sing For America," "Armed Forces Salute," "Gallant Marines," "Our America," "American Anthem," and "For Our Heroes." The program will also include such "great flag-waving marches" as "Semper Fidelis," "Second Connecticut," and "The Liberty Bell."
"This is one of the most popular concerts the band performs every year," said Kathy Hendricks, band president.
"This speaks to the love of country and the respect and esteem for our military that our audience has and enjoys showing year in and year out," Hendricks said.
There is no admission charge for the concert, but everyone will have an opportunity to donate toward the band's operating expenses. In the event of inclement weather, an alternative indoor venue will be announced through local and social media, and signage.