The official Escanaba City Band centennial photo

ESCANABA — Picture it: The year was 1924. Calvin Coolidge was in the White House, flappers were dancing the Charleston, and the Escanaba City Band, conducted by Joseph Greenfield, played its very first note. From their debut performance on the streets of Escanaba on Sunday, May 18, 1924, before a baseball game between Escanaba and Marquette, to last Wednesday night’s Centennial Celebration in Ludington Park, the band continues to thrive. This enduring success is a testament to the power of music to bring people together.

For generations, the city band has been the heartbeat of our community. They’ve serenaded us through summer nights in the park, added a flourish to our holiday parades, and provided the soundtrack to countless celebrations and solemn ceremonies. Their music has been the backdrop to visiting dignitaries, cruise ship guests, first dates, family picnics, and shared moments of joy and reflection.

Let’s give a round of thanks to the faces behind the instruments. The band is made up of our friends, neighbors, and family members–ordinary folks with extraordinary talent. Many have been playing for decades, others are fresh-faced students sharing their love for music with our waterfront community. Follow the Escanaba City Band on Facebook to “Meet the Band” members, together, they create a sound that’s uniquely ours.

The Centennial Season has been filled with fantastic events and celebrations, superbly orchestrated by band member Amy Chown, but they are far from over. There’s plenty of time to get out and enjoy the music and help celebrate the band’s 100th year at the Wednesday night concerts at the Karas Bandshell.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. There are still exciting events on the horizon including the Downtown Escanaba Sidewalk Sales, Waterfront Art Festival, Governor’s Luncheon at the U.P. State Fair, Brat and Hot Dog Sale at Elmer’s County Market, Escanaba Labor Day Parade, Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, Downtown Escanaba Christmas Tree Lighting, Holiday Concert at Bay College, and the Escanaba Christmas Parade.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to our county’s music scene, come out to the events to celebrate and support the Escanaba City Band’s incredible milestone.

Here’s to a century of music, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments. Here’s to our city band.

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Vickie Micheau is executive director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce