Gainesville Pops! to Bring Patriotic Celebration to Lake City
-Gainesville Pops! Photo submitted by Community Concerts
By David Murdock
Presented by Community Concerts of Lake City, the Gainesville Pops! concert, “Celebrating The Birth of America,” begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the Levy Performing Arts Center on the Florida Gateway College campus.
Approximately 40 accomplished musicians will perform a broad selection of patriotic favorites and other popular works. One of the evening’s highlights will be “The Ultimate Patriotic Sing-A-Long,” giving audience members an opportunity to join the musicians in celebrating America through song.
Gainesville Pops! is a wind ensemble made up of professional musicians, music educators and dedicated amateur musicians from the Gainesville area. Founded in 2008, the group has entertained audiences throughout North Florida with performances that can include light classical selections, Broadway show tunes, movie themes, popular music, marches and jazz arrangements. Modeled after the renowned Boston Pops, Gainesville Pops! uses traditional concert-band instrumentation without strings. The result is a distinctive sound featuring brilliant treble voices and a rich, resonant bass.
All veterans will be admitted free as a gesture of appreciation for their service. Junior and senior high school band members may also attend free when they receive a complimentary ticket from their respective band director. The program is designed in part to encourage young musicians and give them the opportunity to hear a first-class ensemble perform live. Florida Gateway College students with a current student identification card are admitted free to all Community Concerts events.
For other attendees, tickets are $65 per family, $30 for adults and $12 for K-12 students. Tickets may be purchased at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. with cash or check. Credit-card purchases are available online through Community Concerts at communityconcerts.info. For additional information, contact Martha at (386) 365-8488.
Leading the Gainesville Pops! is Music Director and Conductor R. Gary Langford, Professor of Music Emeritus at the University of Florida. Langford’s distinguished career at UF included directing and teaching Concert Band, Jazz Band and Marching Band, as well as teaching music history and music theory. He also served as assistant director of the university’s School of Music before retiring in 2007. His connection to the University of Florida Marching Band, known as the “Pride of the Sunshine,” spans 25 years. Beginning in 1971, Langford spent the final 11 years of that tenure as the band’s director. He is also an accomplished arranger, having written more than 400 arrangements for marching band. Today, Langford continues to share his musical expertise as an adjunct professor at Santa Fe College, where he teaches brass studio and music appreciation.
With its combination of accomplished musicians, familiar favorites and audience participation, the Gainesville Pops! concert promises an evening that celebrates both American music and the community’s appreciation for those who perform and support it. “Celebrating The Birth of America” offers Lake City-area residents an opportunity to enjoy live music while honoring the traditions, service and spirit that have shaped the nation.
