Lee County Community Band set to wrap up season with two remaining concerts
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Southwest Floridians have two more chances to catch the county's oldest band before the fall next month.
The Lee County Community Band is welcoming the public to enjoy an inspiring afternoon of music with its March concert, "A Festival of Music!," this Sunday at 3 p.m. at Mariner High School in Cape Coral.
The band's final concert of the season, "On the Road Again," is on April 12, also at 3 p.m. at Mariner High School.
This Sunday's program celebrates the rich traditions of band music with a lively mix of patriotic selections, classic marches, jazz and swing favorites, Broadway and film music, novelty features, and an audience sing-along.
"The band is very excited. The March concert is always a fun program for both the musicians and the audience, and includes tunes in the style of Irish, Broadway, jazz, rock and marches," said LCCB spokesperson and member Joanne Correia.
The April program celebrates the end of the band's season and offers a musical send-off to winter visitors heading north. The concert will feature an exciting mix of popular favorites, classic marches, Broadway music, ragtime, and audience sing-along tunes.
"The program includes many recognizable tunes along with classic band favorites, so there's something for everyone to enjoy," Correia said.
The 60-minute April program opens with "On the Road Again," a fitting tribute to snowbirds preparing for their journeys home. Audiences will then enjoy the vibrant "Colorburst Concert March," the energetic "Soul Bossa Nova," and a special featured trumpet solo with band accompaniment performing "MacArthur Park."
The afternoon continues with beloved classics including "A Summer Place," selections from the Broadway hit "Grease," "New Mexico March," and "Satchmo," celebrating the legendary Louis Armstrong.
"Attendees can expect a relaxed, family-friendly afternoon of live music with a variety of styles, performed by talented local musicians. It's entertaining and completely free," Correia said.
The performance continues the band's storied heritage as one of the oldest continuously operating community bands in the United States, tracing its origins to the Fort Myers Brass Band more than 130 years ago.
Under the direction of Gil Peltola, the Lee County Community Band continues its mission of providing high-quality musical entertainment to the community at no cost.
The 60-plus members of the band are amateurs, semi-professional, and professional musicians who graciously volunteer their time and talent to share their love of music with concert attendees, just as the original members of the Fort Myers Brass Band did well over a century ago.
"Our volunteer musicians rehearse weekly and spend many hours preparing the music so the audience can enjoy a high-quality performance," Correia said.
While the concert is free to attend, the band does collect donations to help pay for sheet music, as they abide by copyright laws.
For more information on Lee County Community Band, visit LeeCountyBand.org, or call 513-702-0380.
The band also has a YouTube channel and Facebook page to keep tabs on or to view shows.
The band's new season begins in November 2026.