It is round two of the Coal Country Chamber of Commerce Seventh Annual Summer Concert Series. Last week, the park drew over 200 people as Will Black Orchestra performed. According to Mickey Robinson, the Chamber is prepared and expecting a larger turn out this week for the Dixie Dudes and Dance, weather cooperating. The forecast is calling for temperatures in the low 80’s with a calm wind, so it sounds like perfect weather for the 7 p.m. concert.
The Dixie Dudes Dixieland Band commenced as an extension of the Lewis & Clark Community College Concert Band of Godfrey Illinois in 1985. The Dixieland Band, an eight piece ensemble, became so popular that it soon had requests to play at many functions. The band’s first engagement was for the opening of the new Amtrak Railroad Station in Alton, IL.
Since then the band has performed for conventions, college concerts, restaurants, retirement centers, Church functions, Marti Gras celebrations, Christmas parties, birthday parties and many other occasions. The music is authentic traditional Dixieland as played in New Orleans.
The band members are a mix of amateur and professional musicians who play for fun and recreation. The players include two teachers, a politician, two engineers, a pilot, and two doctors. The music will lift the spirit, lighten the heart, and start the foot tapping.
Most recently the Dixie Dudes have expanded into rock n roll tunes and dance tunes to play for weddings and other party occasions. The band has added to its name, “The Dixie Dudes and Dance” to reflect the new inclusion of swing, Rock n Roll, dance music.
The concert is expected to run 90 minutes straight through. Beginning at 6 p.m. the park is open and the concession stand is open to serve hot dogs, “big smokies”, Italian beef, soda and water, and strawberry shortcake sundaes.
The concert is as always, free to the public. Patrons should bring their own lawn chairs and enjoy the concerts rain or shine because the pavilion covers the seating. Parking is free and dancing is often enjoyed.