STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Glasgow Community Band leaders say extreme heat is pushing their America 250 celebration concert indoors this week. Director Robbie Fudge said that the band decided to move its free patriotic program from the downtown square to the Plaza Theatre after the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory.
Fudge said he tracks forecasts closely around performance dates and saw that a heat advisory was in effect from 11 a.m. Tuesday through 8 p.m. Thursday. The heat advisory has now been extended until 8 p.m. Friday. After consulting with the band’s board and committee, organizers agreed it would be wiser to switch to the Plaza Theatre, which was available and air-conditioned. Fudge said the band finished a late rehearsal around 9 p.m. and still found it muggy and humid outside, reinforcing the choice to move indoors. He noted that the group has had to relocate to the Plaza several times in recent years because of extreme weather, even though he enjoys the atmosphere of performing outdoors on the square near the courthouse and City Hall.
This year’s concert theme is looking back on the history of America through music. The program is expected to include period pieces highlighting the Revolutionary War and Civil War eras, along with “Kentucky 1800,” which Fudge said features songs by Stephen Foster. Fudge also said the concert will feature a new piece titled “America 250,” which has been purchased by many community bands and is being performed in communities across the country this week. He said the show will still be patriotic but will rely less on the most familiar patriotic standards, instead spotlighting different selections that celebrate American history.
The concert at the Plaza Theatre is free to attend. According to Fudge, the main doors to the building will open at 6 p.m., with the auditorium doors opening at about 6:30 p.m., and the music beginning at 7 p.m. Organizers expect the performance to last about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes. He added that downtown parking should be plentiful for concertgoers.
Fudge thanked Mayor Henry Royce and city staff for their support, saying they stepped up to help with equipment needs and other behind-the-scenes details during the transition to the Plaza Theatre.
Key Facts
• Glasgow Community Band moves its America 250-themed concert indoors due to a National Weather Service heat advisory.
• The free concert is now set for the Plaza Theatre, instead of the downtown square in Glasgow.
• Main doors open at 6 p.m., auditorium doors at 6:30 p.m., and the concert begins at 7 p.m.
• The program will feature a new piece titled “America 250” and music highlighting U.S. history, including Revolutionary War and Civil War eras.
• Organizers expect the show to last about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, and say downtown parking should be plentiful.
• Director Robbie Fudge credits Mayor Henry Royce and city staff for helping with the transition to the indoor venue.
