The Karl L. King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge is planning a special concert this Sunday beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Karl L. King Band Shell in Oleson Park to celebrate this year’s Independence Day holiday. There is no admission charge, courtesy of the City of Fort Dodge.

An ice cream social, sponsored by the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, will start around 6:30 p.m. Homemade ice cream and fresh baked goodies will be available for purchase prior to and during the concert. Remember to bring along your own lawn chairs or blankets, since there is no public seating provided.

Conductor Jerrold P. Jimmerson has planned an exciting evening of band music to “Celebrate Independence.” Also involved in the evening’s program is Dan Cassady, assistant conductor, and Paul Bloomquist, announcer. Conductor Jimmerson invites persons to “wear their red, white, and blue and bring their small American flags to wave at appropriate times during this one hour tribute to independence.”

Opening this patriotic concert will be George Gershwin’s “Strike Up The Band,” followed by John Philip Sousa’s march, “Hail to the Spirit of Liberty.” March music is always part of every concert, and this week will include one of Karl L. King’s earliest and finest marches, “Sons of Veterans,” and his lively circus galop, “Sunshine,” along with William Laurier’s “133rd Infantry – Iowa National Guard.” This selection is a tribute to the 133rd Test Squadron based here in Fort Dodge in celebration of their 75th anniversary.

Highlighting the program will be a collection of traditional American songs, “Broad Stripes and Bright Stars.” This fantasy is based on four songs which date from the earliest years in the formation of the United States of America. A trumpet trio will delight the audience by performing everyone’s favorite Leroy Anderson selection, “Bugler’s Holiday.” This trio features Tim Miller from Humboldt, David Swaroff from Belmond, and Amaia Walsh-Levi from Fort Dodge.

Also on the program will be a tribute to jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong with “Satchmo!” a medley including “What a Wonderful World,” “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “Saint Louis Blues” and “Hello, Dolly!”

Scott Johnson will narrate a historical tribute to America during “Within These Hallowed Halls,” which will be introduced by bagpipe music from Lucas Fillmore, pastor at First United Methodist Church in Fort Dodge.

The concert will close with the exciting “Overture Solennelle 1812.” This well-known overture, always a staple of July 4th celebrations around the country, was written in 1880 by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The piece commemorates Russia’s successful defense of the French invasion of its country by Napoleon in 1812.

This will be followed by America’s inspiring national march, “The Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa, and the playing of our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. In case of inclement weather at the starting time, the concert may be delayed or cancelled.