We must offer a salute to the Marquette City Band, not just for the special event which it is hosting this weekend, but for its ongoing work in expanding its offerings.

The band is hosting the inaugural Upper Peninsula Community Band Festival Saturday at Presque Isle Park Band Shell which will feature performances not only by the MCB and the Negaunee City Band – another great local organization – and a group that’s been put together just for the occasion, the Festival Concert Band.

Musicians are coming from across the Upper Peninsula to join in this super group but also are rolling into town from lower Michigan, Wisconsin and other Midwest locales, as well as from New Orleans, Utah and places far afield. This band – which includes some 30 locals and about 50 people from outside the area – will rehearse tonight and Saturday morning in anticipation of the performance.

The festival is one of the ways the Marquette City Band – performing since 1887 – is growing. The band this year added concerts in February and May in addition to its summer performance schedule.

And now it has come up with this special summer extravaganza for the pleasure of the community. The festival is made possible by a $2,000 grant from the Marquette County Community Foundation, along with a small registration cost from those who are participating in the festival band.

Saturday should be a glorious night for music lovers, indeed. Music from composers as varied as Rossini, Sousa and The Beatles will fill the air at Presque Isle Park.

We encourage the community to get out to enjoy this wonderful event. Remember to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.

We congratulate all who are involved in making this event happen and we hope the community warmly welcomes the musical visitors coming to town to share their talent with us lucky listeners.