Marion Big Band returns for July ‘Swingin’ At Sunset’ summer concert series

MARION — The Marion Big Band is back for their 26th season playing classic music from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Concerts are Thursday evenings, July 8, 15 and 22, in Marion’s Uptown City Park starting at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Please bring your own lawn chair or blanket. (No rain dates.)

In addition, the Marion Big Band will play at Terrace Glen Village, 3400 Alburnett Rd, Marion, on Tuesday, July 27, at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to join residents for this free outdoor concert.

Marion Big Band concerts feature music made famous by midcentury artists such as Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael and many more.

The Marion Big Band was organized in 1996 by Jack Hicks and Bob Sternowski. The personnel of the band is a talented group of locals who volunteer their time to rehearse and perform these summer concerts plus a few charity events annually. Most of the members are veterans of high school, college, and/or military jazz bands, and appreciate having a group to play music with as adults.