Looking for something to do this month? The Great American Brass Band Festival comes to Danville, Kentucky-just southwest of Lexington. Myriad events for broad ranges of interests and ages more than outweigh the short drive to Danville.
The festival, which has taken place annually since 1990, has consistently grown, both in scope of activities and attendance, drawing visitors from around the state and drawing participating bands from around the country.
Phil Osborne, a former Danville resident who now lives in Lexington, and his family regularly make the festival a part of their summer schedule. "It's great for the community and it's grown so much over the years. The kids were still small when we went the first year," said Osborne, who spent an evening of concerts at the festival last year with his wife, Jennifer, and then Governor-elect Steve Beshear and wife Jane. "But I think my favorite part is when the band from New Orleans plays 'When the Saints Go Marching In' at the end of the parade and everyone in the crowd falls in and marches through town to campus-it's really something to see."
Adam Johnson, the director of the Danville and Perryville Convention and Visitor's Bureau notes the unique nature of the event makes it a banner opportunity for the entire Central Kentucky Region. "It's a great chance for us to show off a little of what Danville has to offer," Johnson said. "It's great for families, too. There's something for everyone."
Concerts are ongoing (and many are free) during the festival and a full listing of participants on the schedule is available online. There is also information on educational events such as a Chautauqua Tea, which will celebrate the Lincoln Bicentennial, and the Brass History Conference, which exposes attendees to internationally renowned conductors and band historians and virtuoso solo performances. If you're in it just for the fun, don't miss the balloon race, fireworks, parade or the newest event, Beer, Bourbon and Brass.
For a full schedule and listing of events, visit the Great American Brass Band Festival online at www.gabbf.org or call (800) 755-0076. The festival takes place June 12-15.