The Clown Band performs to a crowd at Waterfront Park.
Photos and story by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
LUDINGTON — Several hundred people gathered Tuesday evening at Waterfront Park for the Scottville Clown Band’s annual Patriotic Concert, an Independence Day tradition that featured patriotic music, recognition of military veterans and a performance by the Ludington High School Jazz Band.
The LHS Jazz Band under the direction of Keith Kucyznski
The Ludington High School Jazz Band, directed by Keith Kuczynski, opened the evening before the Scottville Clown Band, under the direction of David Buckley, presented a concert devoted entirely to patriotic music. Unlike the band’s traditional comedy performances, the Patriotic Concert focused on American-themed selections celebrating the nation’s heritage and the approaching Independence Day holiday. During the concert, veterans representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces were recognized for their service.
Donations collected during the concert will benefit the Ludington Area Schools music program, continuing the Scottville Clown Band’s longstanding support of youth music education. Founded in 1903 and reorganized in 1947, the nonprofit community band performs throughout Michigan each summer while raising money for music scholarships and school music programs. The annual Patriotic Concert has become one of the band’s signature performances, drawing families and visitors to Ludington’s waterfront each summer.
Though the Clown Band’s Patriotic Concert was a long standing tradition at the Scottville Clown Band Shell, that facility has not been and continues to not be available for the past few years. As a result, the Clown Band’s board of directors made the decision to move the performance to Ludington.
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