by Dennis Dalman
news@thenewsleaders.com
A gentle breeze began to blow just before the Sartell Community Band performed its last concert of the season July 15 at Val Smith Park.
Listeners brought lawn chairs or sat at picnic tables on the east side of the park to enjoy the sparkling music. Before the concert started, many commented on what a hot day it had been and how good the sudden breeze felt.
The concert, directed by Pete Olson, was introduced by emcee Rep. Tim O’Driscoll, former Sartell mayor who represents the Sartell area in the Minnesota Legislature.
The band played a variety of lively tunes, including “The Star-Spangled Banner,” a medley of songs by Duke Ellington and “It’s a Wonderful World.”
It was the band’s fifth and final performance for the summer of 2012. Comprised now of about 30 members, the band was formed a few years ago. Each summer it gives concerts at the Memorial Day ceremony, SummerFest and three or four concerts in Sartell’s Lions Community Park and Val Smith Park.
After the July 15 concert, many in the audience cooled off with ice cream purchased from the Sartell Lions Club, which dished out the treat at the shelter where the band performed.
