Hear a sound from days gone by Wednesday night, as the James River Pops Band presents its holiday concert.
The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Williamsburg Library Theatre, presented as part of the library’s Dewey Decibel Concert Series.
The James River Pops is a 12-member ensemble, made up mostly from members of the Peninsula Concert Band, which performs in the area and for local graduation events. The Peninsula Concert band started in 1950 and boasts more than 60 musicians. The smaller offshoot, the James River Pops, was created to play at nursing homes and retirement communities.
Most members live on the Peninsula, having retired from a variety of careers. They are former teachers, military musicians, dentists, tradesmen, a pharmacist and NASA engineer, all committed to bringing music to the community.
The James River Pops tries to represent an old-time community band, the kind that might play in a town gazebo on a summer night in the days before radio and TV.
George Pond, director of the group, often tells the audience tidbits about each piece the band plays, or puts it in historical context.
“It gives the audience an interesting perspective on the music we present,” he said in an email.
Pond is a 24-year retired U.S. Army musician, and also serves President and Co-Conductor of the Peninsula Concert Band.
Wednesday’s concert will feature holiday music selections and guest vocalist Carrie Grace Morgan, a Smithfield teacher. There will also be a Christmas carol sing-along with the audience.
While the concert is free, donations to support the band will be accepted. For more information, visit the library’s website or call 757-259-4070.
