Sequim City Band preps ‘American Melodies’

The Sequim City Band cues up quintessential American music of the last century in its “American Melodies” concert, set for 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15, at The James Center for the Performing Arts, 350 N. Blake Ave.

Included in the musical festivities is an homage to summer road trips including a “Salute to Bob Hope” medley by arranger Warren Baker, with “The Road to Morocco” from one of the Bing Crosby and Bob Hope “Road to … ” movies. The medley includes “Thanks for the Memory,” which premiered in the film “The Big Broadcast of 1938” and thereafter was sung by Hope himself during the USO tours.

The concert includes Fiddle Faddle,” a particular favorite of the Boston Pops Orchestra, as well as a lesser-know J.P. Sousa march, “Belle of Chicago.”

The band, led by conductor Tyler Benedict, will perform the medley “Benny Goodman: The King of Swing” on request from an audience member who is a big band devotee. A couple of Goodman’s most famous songs are included in the medley: “Stompin’ at the Savoy” and “Sing, Sing, Sing.”

The guest announcer for the afternoon is Marianne Walters.

To reach the James Center, enter the north section of Carrie Blake Park from North Blake Avenue at the East Fir Street intersection. Follow the signs to parking and the outdoor stage and then settle in on the lawn.

Save the date of the band’s next concert: 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, in the Sequim High School Auditorium, 533 N. Sequim Ave. Dates have not been announced yet for the band’s two remaining 2019-2020 Indoor Concert Series concerts.

For more information about the Sequim City Band, visit www.sequimcityband.org.