The second in a series of three indoor concerts by the Karl L. King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge will be held on March 17 in the Decker Auditorium on the campus of Iowa Central Community College. There is no admission charge, since these concerts are provided free of charge to everyone by the city of Fort Dodge. Conductor of the band is Jerrold P. Jimmerson, with Dr. David Klee the assistant conductor and Paul Bloomquist serving as announcer.

This concert, which will begin at 3:30 p.m., is the band’s traditional Irish Concert in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Many familiar Irish tunes will be performed, including everyone’s favorite, “McNamara’s Band,” as arranged by former conductor Reginald R. Schive.

The concert opens with the exciting “Spirit of Minstrelsy March” by Karl L. King. Traditional Irish selections on the program include an Irish reel, “Molly On The Shore” and the lovely “Irish Tune from County Derry,” both by Percy Aldridge Grainger, along with Leroy Anderson’s delightful “The Wearing of the Green” from his Irish Suite.

Other march selections to be performed include “Brian Boru” by Julian Edwards and “McKinley’s Own” composed by the band’s namesake, Karl L. King, along with the concert closer, Bill Wiley’s, “The Irish Boys.”

Contemporary Irish selections on the concert will include “Celtic Wedding” by Jeremy Bell, starting with music depicting a beautiful wedding ceremony before giving way to the spirited reception that follows, along with “Molly’s Sweet,” a collection of three Irish fiddle tunes arranged by George H. Rowe. These well-known songs are still performed around the globe today, and are found in numerous musical collections.

Roger Netz, from Manson, a long-time member of the band’s saxophone section, will lead the audience in a sing-along of two traditional Irish favorites, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” and Bing Crosby’s popular hit, “That’s an Irish Lullaby.”

This concert will close with our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” In case of inclement weather, the concert may be cancelled. Any announcement will be made on the band’s website at www.karlking.us, or on the band’s Facebook page.

Karl L. King Band Irish Concert

When: 3:30 p.m. March 17

Where: Decker Auditorium at Iowa Central Community College

Cost: Free