Van Wert Area Community Concert Band to present patriotic concert in Celina

The Van Wert Area Community Concert Band will present a free patriotic concert Sunday, August 9, at the Harley C. Jones Memorial Rotary Amphitheater in Celina.

The performance will begin at 7 p.m. in Bryson Park along Grand Lake St. Marys. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

The program will celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary with patriotic music intended to reflect and renew pride in the country. Selections will include “An American Celebration,” “Last Full Measure,” “Golden” and a Bob Dylan medley.

Several vocalists will be featured during the concert. Band member Warren Bowery will perform Neil Diamond’s “America” and the 1970s song “Come On Down to My Boat Baby.” Jerry Wolfe will sing his version of Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.”

Celina music teacher Katie Brautigam will also perform as a featured vocalist with the band.

Military personnel and veterans will be recognized during “A Salute to America’s Finest.” The concert will conclude with Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.”

The band is directed by former Parkway band director Richard Sherrick and includes musicians from communities across the region, including Van Wert, Ohio City, Delphos, Convoy, Middle Point, Spencerville, Celina and Rockford.

The concert is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Sherrick at 419-230-6808.