BROWNSTOWN — The Columbus City Band has unveiled its upcoming summer performance schedule, featuring two highly anticipated community concerts in Brownstown. Both events are free to the public, though attendees are highly encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs for seating.
The historic musical ensemble, which traces its roots back to the mid-1800s, will bring a mix of traditional favorites, high-energy show tunes, and solemn tributes to Jackson County audiences over the next two months.
The two performances will take place at separate landmarks in the Brownstown area:
- Brownstown Patriotic Program
- Date & Time: Sunday, June 28 at 2:00 p.m., Columbus City Band
- Location: Heritage Park (121 E. Walnut St.) in downtown Brownstown. Seymour Tribune
- Jackson County Fair Performance
- Date & Time: Tuesday, July 28, at 7:45 p.m., Columbus City Band
- Location: The Jackson County Fairgrounds pavilion (located near the tractor displays). Columbus City Band
Honoring a Community Legend
The June 28 patriotic concert is expected to draw an emotional crowd as the band honors the late Steve McGrew, who served as the dedicated director of the Columbus City Band for 27 years. McGrew, a beloved figure in the local music community and a long-time band director at Seymour High School, passed away in February at the age of 84.
The program will feature show tunes, military salutes to the armed forces, and a couple of original musical creations written specifically to honor McGrew’s memory and distinctive sense of humor.
Among the special selections is an original piece titled “Nobody Got Hurt,” composed by Russ Smith, a close friend, former assistant, and fellow band director. The song’s title derives from a famous “Steveism”—a phrase McGrew routinely quipped to ease tension after the band had a rough read-through of a complex piece during rehearsals. The arrangement incorporates elements of choral music and the styles of Johann Sebastian Bach, which McGrew deeply admired.
Community Participation
The Columbus City Band regularly performs throughout Bartholomew and Jackson counties. As a volunteer-driven, non-profit community group, they welcome local musicians of all backgrounds. Anyone who has a background playing an instrument, whether they are active musicians or have an old instrument tucked away in a closet, is invited to join their Monday evening rehearsals at Central Middle School in Columbus.
For more information regarding the upcoming concerts or how to support the organization through donations, residents can visit columbuscityband.org.
