The Racine Concert Band proudly begins its 103rd season of free summer concerts on Sunday, August 3rd at 7:00 p.m., at Rotary Park, just outside Festival Hall in downtown Racine. This marks the band’s 1,535th free concert as the official band of the City of Racine.
This year’s “Rooted in Racine” guest artist is acclaimed trumpeter Russ Johnson, a graduate of Washington Park High School and the Manhattan School of Music. Johnson enjoyed a celebrated 23-year career as a jazz musician in New York City, performing with legends like Lee Konitz, Steve Swallow, Bill Frisell, and Joe Lovano. Since returning to Wisconsin in 2011, he has served as Director of Jazz Studies and trumpet instructor at UW-Parkside. Johnson has appeared on over 130 recordings (including 11 as a leader), and has toured in 45 countries. His honors include the 2016 Stella Gray Teaching Award, the 2020 Research and Creative Activity Award, and recognition as a 2018 Downbeat Critics Poll “Rising Star”.
Also featured is soprano Allison Hull, a graduate of Lawrence University and UW-Milwaukee. Hull has graced the stages of the Milwaukee Opera Theater, Skylight Opera, and the Florentine Opera, where she also mentors young artists. She teaches voice at UW-Parkside, Carthage College, and with the Florentine’s intensive training program.
Under the baton of Music Director Mark Eichner, now in his 24th season, the Racine Concert Band will present a lively and diverse program of classic wind band repertoire, including works by Wagner, Haydn, and Grieg, stirring marches, and the Band’s traditional closing number by John Philip Sousa.
Beloved local broadcaster Don Rosen (WRJN), with more than 50 years of experience, returns as Master of Ceremonies.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, as there is no fixed seating at Rotary Park. Free parking is available at Festival Park. In case of inclement weather, the concert will move indoors to Festival Hall.
All Racine Concert Band summer concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. at Rotary Park, and remain free to the public.