The 1st Infantry Division Band will be spreading cheer this weekend with some free holiday concerts.
The concerts will be at C.L. Hoover Opera House in Junction City on Friday and Saturday, with start times for both nights set for 7:30 p.m. The shows have been an annual occurrence since the Big Red One Band returned to Fort Riley from Germany in 2006.
1st Sgt. Christopher Martin stopped by Thursday’s edition of KMAN’s In Focus program with the 1st Infantry Division Band Trombone Quartet to preview the shows as well as play a few pieces from their set. He said doors open around 6:30 and invited local residents to attend, free of charge.
“It’s just our way to thank the public and the communities for everything they do to support the division and us, and we’re just super excited to celebrate with everybody in the community,” said Martin.
Martin went on to say that each concert is “a little different” and that they try to incorporate new elements each year.
“We have a New Orleans style group playing, we have a big band portion playing, we have some classical smaller groups […] playing,” Martin said. “It should be a good time.”
He said the different groups bring some variety to the show. The sets will consist of performances of traditional holiday songs, “but maybe not in a traditional way” according to Martin. He also said the groups have been preparing for this weekend’s shows since the Fall.
“Starting late Summer getting the idea for the show ready,” he said. “And we have a new influx of personnel to consider when putting it all together along with everything else we’re doing — all the missions we’re supporting and the troops.”
For more information, visit the C.L. Hoover Opera House website.
