Members of the Blue Notes Drum and Bugle Corps march in Ishpeming's Fourth of July Parade. (Journal file photo))

ISHPEMING — After a three-year absence from performing in the area due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Blue Notes Drum & Bugle Corps will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday in front of the Old Ish statue in downtown Ishpeming.

According to a press release, the Blue Notes held its first rehearsal since 2019 last Sunday at St. Joseph’s Church Hall. Long-time veteran members of the corps were joined by a group of very talented young people from the area and the sound of old Blue Notes tunes filled the hall.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Blue Notes, which was formed on Halloween night in 1957. The release states it is the group’s hope that this effort will inspire young people to join them in the effort to continue the drum corps activity in the Upper Peninsula.