Maine Pops Concert Band Returns to Kennebunk to Celebrate Nation’s 250th Anniversary

A wonderfully gathered audience at St. David's Episcopal Church in Kennebunk got to see the Maine Pops Concert Band complete its July performances by attending a 60-minute concert on July 22.

Although thunderstorms rolled through Southern Maine in the early afternoon, patrons were able to see an outdoor performance outside the church with sunshine, clear skies, and a little bit of humidity.

Directed by David Watts, the Maine Pops treated the large audience to a selection of patriotic compositions, musical medleys, and pieces from the band's standard repertoire. The band's summer season theme is the celebration of the Nation's 250th birthday, and the band's playlist for July 22 reflected that theme.

The program included:

• The Star-Spangled Banner,

• National Emblem,

• Les Miserables,

• America, the Beautiful,

• Original Dixieland Concerto,

• Folk Song Suite,

• Shenandoah,

• Armed Forces Salute,

• Stars and Stripes Forever.

The band thanks to Fr. Andrew D’Angio White, the rector of St. David's Episcopal Church and the church congregation in Kennebunk for hosting the Maine Pops for a second straight year.

The Maine Pops Concert Band will break until August 7, when members return to Bath's Library Park Gazebo for a 6:30 p.m. show. However, be watching for some small ensemble performances in late July:

• July 25 - Harbor Brass Quintet - Ken's Place Seafood Restaurant, Scarborough, ME, 5 p.m.

• July 29 - Beach Street Big Band - Jordan Hall, Ocean Park, ME, 7 p.m.

• July 31 - Harbor Brass Quintet - Portland Jetport Arrival Hall, Portland, ME, 11 a.m.

• July 31 - Uniquehorns "Pon-Tunes" Performance, Lake Bunganut, Lyman, ME, 6 p.m.