The Sequim City Band, a vibrant ensemble of more than 75 wind and percussion musicians led by Tyler Benedict, presents its spring concert at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 4th on the open-air stage at the James Center for the Performing Arts in Carrie Blake Park, 506 N. Blake Ave.
Titled “Where Music Flows and the Force Grows,” this free public performance caps off Crazy Callen Weekend, the opening weekend of the 130th Sequim Irrigation Festival, the longest-running festival in Washington State. This year’s program intertwines themes of water, community celebration, historical milestones, and a galactic tribute to May 4th — known to many as Star Wars Day.
Honoring irrigation
Water — the reason the Irrigation Festival began in 1896 — is reflected in selections such as Steven Reineke’s “River of Life,” a sweeping and energetic piece that captures the spirit of renewal and the powerful flow of nature. The piece evokes images of the life-giving Dungeness River and the man-made irrigation ditches that transformed Sequim’s arid prairie into fertile farmland beginning in the late 19th century.
Another nod to the area’s early agricultural roots comes through “Fanfare, Mules, and Roosters” by Jay Dawson — a colorful, whimsical piece full of rural character, honoring the practical ingenuity and perseverance that built the region’s irrigation legacy.
History and heritage
The concert also salutes Sequim’s deep roots through John Philip Sousa’s “El Capitan,” written in 1896, the same year as the first Irrigation Festival. The band’s performance of the “Sequim Centennial March” by Karl F. Bach pays homage to local pride and progress.
William Huff’s “Festival March” sets a jubilant tone with bold brass and energetic rhythms, echoing the enthusiasm and community spirit of this long-running festival.
Americana
Bridging the past and present, “Themes Like Old Times” (arr. Warren Barker) features a medley of popular tunes from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s — capturing the soundtrack of early Sequim. Another favorite, Percy Grainger’s “Country Gardens” (adapted by Sousa), evokes a charming, pastoral feel that celebrates the simplicity and joy of rural life.
May the Fourth be with you
As a special nod to the date, the concert will honor Star Wars Day. The band will perform selections from John Williams’ “Star Wars Trilogy” (arr. by Donald Hunsberger) and “Star Wars Epic – Part I” (arr. by Robert W. Smith), featuring sweeping themes and heroic motifs that have become modern musical legends.
Start of summer
The free, family-friendly concert is a community tradition that launches the summer season in Sequim.
Attendees are welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
The Sequim City Band is a community-based concert wind ensemble that offers a variety of musical performances, enriching the cultural life of Sequim and the surrounding area. The Band brings together musicians of all ages to perform a diverse range of concert band repertoire. For more information, visit sequimcityband.org or follow the band on Facebook and Instagram.
