These concerts are free to everyone, and are provided as a public service by the City of Fort Dodge. Conducting the band is Dan Cassady, with Paul Bloomquist as the band’s announcer. The Southeast Valley Music Boosters will also be there again this week, offering ice cream and other treats for a freewill donation before and during the concert.

Marches scheduled to be performed include “Woody Van’s,” “The Melody Shop,” and “The University of Chicago,” along with a fast-paced circus galop, “Prestissimo,” all written by the band’s namesake and former conductor, Karl L. King. Opening the evening’s concert will be John Philip Sousa’s march, “Right-Left,” written while Sousa was director of the United States Marine Band.

Giving this concert an international flavor will be the First Movement, “Chaconne,” from British composer Gustav Holst ‘s “First Suite in Eb for Military Band,” along with Russian composer Pavel Tschesnokoff’s beautiful chorale, “Salvation Is Created,” and one of Karl King’s lovely serenades, “Spanish Romance.”

The members of the percussion section will be featured performing “Sandpaper Ballet,” by the popular American composer, Leroy Anderson. This was actually not a ballet score at all. Leroy Anderson intended it to be an orchestral work designed as a tribute to the soft-shoe style of dancing associated with vaudeville. Hear how the band’s percussionists bring that style to life.

Rounding out the evening’s program will be highlights from the popular Broadway musical, “Guys and Dolls,” by Frank Loesser, along with Karl King’s ragtime selection, “Ragged Rozey.” There will also be a musical montage of George and Ira Gershwin classics with a medley simply titled “Gershwin!” Included are these audience favorites: “Fascinating Rhythm,” “Embraceable You,” “Somebody Loves Me,” “Someone to Watch Over Me” and “I Got Rhythm.”

Each concert always closes in the traditional way, as we salute America with the playing of our National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Next week’s concert on July 6 will be the band’s Independence Day tribute to the July 4th holiday. That concert will feature the band’s trumpet trio playing everyone’s favorite selection, “Bugler’s Holiday,” along with Scott Johnston’s stirring narration to “Within These Hallowed Halls.”

Persons attending these Sunday concerts are reminded to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets, since no public seating is available. In case of inclement weather, the concert may be cancelled at the starting time. Any announcements will be made on the band’s Facebook page for the Band at https://www.facebook.com/karlkingband/.