ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Escanaba’s City Band has extended its usual performance season to provide music for those who need it most.
At nearly 100 years old, the Escanaba City Band has a long legacy of bringing Delta County together through music.
“The Escanaba City Band is a really important part of Escanaba’s vibrant live music community,” said Amy Chown, musician and grant writer for the band. “All summer long, we play concerts in Ludington Park.”
The band usually wraps up its performance schedule following the summer season. However, thanks to a grant from the Sackerson Charitable Foundation, ensembles from the band are playing a series of outreach concerts at senior living communities throughout the winter.
“Many residents in these facilities used to attend our concerts, and they can no longer do so,” Chown said. “This grant enables us to bring the music to them.”
On Thursday, an ensemble performed for residents at LakeHouse Escanaba. A few residents even showed off their own musical talent by playing jingle bells during each song.
In addition to LakeHouse, ensembles are performing at Bishop Noa Home, Christian Park, Cedar Hill, Pinecrest Medical Care Facility, and Lakeview Assisted Living. Chown says for those with memory issues, live performances can be a source of comfort.
“Music can really speak to those individuals in a way that words can’t,” she said. “We’re particularly excited that we’re performing not only for our fans but for those who will particularly enjoy hearing a live band in their home.”
For all residents in attendance at LakeHouse Escanaba, Thursday’s concert was a welcome dose of Christmas cheer.
“We know music makes people happy,” Chown said. “Our goal tonight is to make them smile, to remember some happy memories of holidays past, and to have a good time and forget about the troubles.”
With the outreach concerts receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from facilities so far, the Escanaba City Band has hopes of expanding the series in the future.
“We are one of the oldest cultural institutions in our community, and we’re continuing to grow and to do more and more,” said Chown. “We come together for one purpose, and that is to enrich the quality of life for the citizens of Escanaba and Delta County. That’s why we exist.”
Click here to visit the Escanaba City Band Facebook page, where community members can keep up with the band and be notified about upcoming performances.
