Two bands return to Kutztown Park by popular demand

The Kutztown Borough Summer Concert Series will feature two concerts this week. Returning by popular demand, Ben Mauger’s Vintage Dixieland Jazz Band performs on June 18 followed by The Ringgold Band on June 20.

Both concert events will be held rain or shine at the Kutztown Park Bandshell.

Ben Mauger’s Vintage Dixieland Jazz Band performs from 7 to 9 p.m. on June 18. The band is in great demand at festivals, dances, and concerts and has quickly become a crowd favorite in the Concert Series, bringing the uplifting sounds of that Dixieland era.

Under the direction of Ben Mauger, this seven-to-eight- piece New Orleans style Dixieland band plays the hot Dixieland jazz and dance music of the 1920s and ‘30s era, and the Swing New York City style revival Jazz made famous in the ‘50s and ‘60s.  The high octane concert will delight the audience with the upbeat hot music such as “The Charleston,” “Varsity Drag,” “I’ll see You In My Dreams,” “Happy Feet,” “Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown” and many more. Classic Dixieland songs include “Basin Street Blues,” “Sweet Georgia Brown” and “Darktown Strutter’s Ball.”

Then, on Monday, June 20, The Ringgold Band performs from 6 to 8 p.m.

One of America’s first community bands, organized in 1852 as the “Independent American Brass Band,” The Ringgold Band have been performing continuously over the past 170 years. The band is under the direction of Chuck Ebersole, and continues to entertain concertgoers throughout southeastern Pennsylvania at various church, community, and civic functions.

Although times have changed since the inception of the band in 1852, enjoyable music remains timeless. Audiences of all ages will enjoy the marches, the Broadway tunes and various melodies of the time-honored traditions of concert band music. The band is comprised of many local musicians from the Berks County area and beyond. The diverse concert program will include familiar classics as well as new works, show tunes, and familiar marches.

The park concession stand, run by Saucony Creek Grille, will be open before and during the concerts.

Free to the public, the concerts are part of the Borough of Kutztown 2022 Concert Series in the Park.

The concert series is made possible by the Borough of Kutztown and the support of the following co-sponsors:

Major Sponsor: Folino Estate Vineyard & Winery, Kutztown Lions Club, East Penn Manufacturing & The Breidegam Family Foundation, Russell E. Conrad, Inc., Kutztown Rod & Gun Club, and Walbert Funeral Home & Cremation Services, PC.

Gold Sponsors: East Penn Podiatry Associates, Optimist Club of Kutztown, Kutztown Tavern, Moyer Total Indoor Comfort.

Silver Sponsors:  Edward J. Hildenbrand Funeral Home, Inc., Kutztown NAPA Auto Parts, A. D. Moyer Lumber, Great Valley Consultants, Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., and The Windsor Press Inc.

Bronze Sponsor: Topton Family Practice, Fleetwood Bank, Silver Maple Veterinary Clinic, Huguenot Lodge No. 377 F & AM, Kutztown American Legion Baseball Assoc., Kutztown Community Partnership, the Kutztown Lioness Club, Kutztown Beverage, and Fulton Mortgage Company-John Schmoyer.

Patron Sponsors:   Mark’s Sandwich Shop, Saucony Creek Brewing Company, Shaynah Kinner Daycare Center, Fegely Signs, Adam N’ Eve Boutique, Kevin Snyder-President Borough Council, Erb Electric,  and the Kutztown Grange.

For the safety of all the performers and all spectators in attendance, schedule and attendance rules subject to change to be in compliance with COVID-19 regulations and requirements by the CDC, State of Pennsylvania or the County of Berks. Signs will be posted at the bandshell and guidelines can be found on the Borough of Kutztown website. Thank you in advance for everyone’s cooperation as you attend, so we can continue to have a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Source: Berkshire mont