Jeannette Community Band set to launch its 34th season

Live performances are back for members of the Jeannette Community Band, which will kick off its 34th season on Sunday after two years of cancellations because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The 60-member band will play patriotic tunes and broadway and movie medleys, along with other songs, during its Memorial Day/spring performance at 7 p.m. at the Jeannette American Legion.

The band celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2018. Musicians came together in 1988 to celebrate Jeannette’s centennial as a one-time band to play for a parade and concert. They stuck together and the group grew throughout the years, adding new members with original musicians still on hand. It is led by Ronald Stemple and there are many familial relationships among the ranks.

The remainder of the band’s schedule is: June 12, 7 p.m. at Ligonier Summer Concert Series; July 3, 2 p.m. at Idlewild and SoakZone; July 30, 8:15 p.m. at Hempfield Sports Complex; Oct. 16, 7 p.m. Cabaret fundraiser concert at Jeannette American Legion; Nov. 6, 7 p.m. Veterans Day concert at the legion; Dec. 18, 7 p.m. Christmas concert at the legion.

The band’s membership is from Jeannette and the surrounding communities. Musicians range in age from high school students to retirees. New members are welcome at Tuesday rehearsals at the Jeannette American Legion from 7:30-9 p.m. All concerts are free and open to the public.