Mix wonderful playing with interest and humor and you get a winning performance. In the printed program, a list of repertoire from which pieces would be chosen included this caveat: “As always, program is subject to change due to split lips and artistic temperaments.” In period dress, the Band’s performance was full of shenanigans which they term Hometown Saturday Night; the concert is a recreation of what would have been performed in their hometown of Lynchburg, Tennessee at the turn of the 20th Century. Marcus Arnold as the “Perfesser” recounted the times of that day with a down-home humor and served as the conductor

Gershwin’s great hit, Swanee opened the concert in a very spirited manner. The following piece, Moore County Toodle-oo, was a feature for the cornet section and quickly displayed the formidable talent found in the ranks of this fine group.

Back Home in Indiana opened with a nostalgic introduction that unfolded nicely into a soft-shoe shuffle highlighting the xylophone. A gentle swing version of Cornet Chop Suey again showcased the cornets. The group’s new baritone player, David Loucky, soloed on Stephen Foster’s I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair in a lovely arrangement which showed off his beautiful sound. How to Build a Band was a fun, musical look at how to assemble a town band section by section. The E-flat alto horn (reportedly the favorite brass instrument of Stephen Foster) was featured next—performed by Jennifer Kummer—in a medley of the popular songs of Foster. Hoagy Carmichael’s great hit, Stardust was presented in a gorgeous arrangement that featured the cornet section in that memorable melody. Cornetist Bryan Crisp stepped out front and soloed on a theme and variations based on Londonderry Air. Crisp’s dazzling technique and warm sound were enthusiastically received. A medley of popular songs by George M. Cohan seemed entirely appropriate especially in their engaging arrangement of those hits of Broadway’s early days.

Tina Erickson, who sometimes tours with the band, performed Black is the Color of my True Love’s Hair on flugel horn blending that wonderful sound with the lush harmonies of the ensemble. Struttin with some Barbecue brought the best of early jazz style to the Cornet Band; kudos to the cornets again who were highlighted with a fantastic four-part treatment of the tune. Neal Webb next performed the cornet solo Beautiful Dreamer. This theme and variations on Foster’s well-known tune displayed his remarkable technical facility and pretty tone.

A medley of river songs entitled Down by the Riverside again featured the fine arranging ability of the group’s own members (Bernie Walker in this case).
Bob Stevens, guitar/banjo player, sang What a Wonderful World. In the middle of the piece, a cornet solo played by Neal Webb offered a tribute to the tune’s most popular interpreter, Louis Armstrong.

Closing the concert, E-flat cornetist Bernie Walker soloed on His Eye is on the Sparrow. The sweet version of this old favorite brought the performance to a fitting end. The band’s impeccable intonation, beautiful sounds, tight ensemble, and great arrangements made this step back in time thoroughly enjoyable for the large audience who quickly showed their unreserved appreciation.