Published: May 31, 2007 04:12 pm         

Brazil Concert Band opens season Sunday

As it nears its 150th year of continuous operation, the Brazil Concert Band will open the 2007 season with “The Brazil Special” at 8 p.m. Sunday in the Forest Park Band Shell.

The concert is free and will be performed rain or shine.

The band, a winner of the Sudler Scroll Historic Band Award, is directed by Matthew S. Huber, a Kentucky Colonel.

The BCB will feature selections from its recently recorded second CD, “The Brazil Special,” with a lively performance of overtures, waltzes, serenades and marches by the Indiana march king, Fred Jewell, and composers for whom he published.

The band’s relationship with the Jewell family goes back to the year 1902 when the famous composer/conductor performed with the BCB.

Jewell even published works by BCB director J. Gus Davis during the 1920s at his Worthington publishing house.

Fred Jewell Jr. and Huber became good friends when the two performed at a convention of the Windjammers Unlimited in 1978.

For many years, the BCB performed in Worthington with concerts honoring both senior and junior Jewells.

The band spearheaded the drive to place an Indiana Historic Marker in Worthington honoring Jewell in 1996.

For many years, Jewell Jr. performed with Huber’s Jackson Township Community Band and at special events of the Brazil Concert Band.

Upon his death, Jewell Jr. left the entire stock of music of the former Jewell Music Co. to Huber and his bands.

The first concert will include “The Brazil Special” by Davis, “Cloth of Gold,” “Pride and Glory,” and “At Evening Time,” all by Jewell.

Also, “105th Cavalry” by Steinmetz and “The Old Circus Band,” “Recreation Overture,” “Murat Temple Band,” “At Break of Dawn” and “Winning Colors,” all by Jewell.

“The Star-Spangled Banner” arranged by John Phillip Sousa, a personal friend of both the Jewells, will close the program.