There's something special about enjoying a summer evening with community members, listening to a live band. And not the typical rock or country band, but a real community band that plays everything from classical to contemporary. You can do just that tonight, as the Bangor Band kicks off its summer concert series!

The Bangor Band is one of the oldest, continuous community bands in the nation. Founded 156 year ago, the band is still going strong, when other communities have given up on the idea of recruiting residents to take part. You'll see the band in all the local parades, and in its Summer Concert series, among other events.

I have a personal connection to the band, although I've never taken part. See, the director, Curvin 'Chip' Farnham, was my band director for three out of four years of high school. Mr. Farnham was tough, demanding, and yet always maintained a sense of humor in the face of a group of high school kids. Under his direction, our Brewer High School Band won the Governor's Band Festival in New Hampshire when I was in my sophomore year, and went back to compete again (and lose, unfortunately) in my junior year. And his vision, combined with the talents of dedicated community members, has made the Bangor Band one of the best in the area.

The Summer Concert Series kicks off tonight at the Bangor Library, with concerts to follow on Tuesday nights throughout the summer. Usually, the band plays on the Bangor Waterfront, underneath their new inflatable amphitheater that they, lovingly, call the 'clamphitheater' because it resembles a giant clam shell!

Tonight's concert starts and 7:00 and will be held rain or shine. Band President Lori Wingo told us the concert will be moved inside the library, if it rains. That could make for some pretty cool acoustics!

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