Brass

Lexington Brass Band was founded in summer 1992 by a group of college brass professors who were interested in the repertoire of the British-style brass band. Ronald Holz and Skip Gray initially served as co-conductors. Other early members were Vincent DiMartino, David Henderson, Louis Bourgois, Dan Brock, John Surgener, Mike West and Dale Warren. Soon, even more key brass players and music teachers joined the band, including Jim Willett, Terry Magee, Tanya Bromley, H.M. Lewis, Ken Schubert, and husband-and-wife team Don and Karen Grammer.

The Advocate Brass Band will perform 2 p.m. Sunday in Weisiger Park. The concert is a special program in memory of Ted D. Haley. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held in Newlin Hall, Norton Center for the Arts.

The best picnic tables Saturday at the Great American Brass Band Festival were: Sousa Award for Best of Show: Table that stands out above all others - "Fishing For Brass," Martha and John Caywood. Celebrating 20 years: The table that reflects something special or memorable for the past 20 years - "The Way We Were," Bill Grimes. Brass Band Festival Theme: The table that reflects the spirit of the Great American Brass Band Festival - "The Beat Goes On," Eben and Jan Henson Off Centre: The table that displays the most humor in decorations - "Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk," Kelly Brown Speilberg Award: The table exhibiting the most creativity and novel idea - "Magrite American Brass Band," Mary Beth Touchstone's Community Arts Center table Judges Picks: Tables that are excellent but do not fall into a given award category: "Recycle Curbside," Clay Albright; and "Casino Royal Robert," Robert and Julie Wagner and Jeanie Collier.

The Great Olympian Traditional Brass Jazz Band got out of the raging floodwaters of New Orleans, but members left their belongings behind. Darryl Adams, who plays the saxophone, said the band members are scattered but are currently working to get instruments and go back to work. "We're all alive, but everything is on hold now, Adams said. "I'm with my sister near Houston," Adams said Tuesday. Some of the others, Jeffrey Hill, Tanio Hingle, Kenneth Terry, Eddie King and Kerry Hunter, are in or near Houston which will be the band's temporary headquarters.

Dear Editor, The Great American Brass Band Festival has just completed another successful weekend of presenting world-class brass band music to thousands of visitors and guests from across the country and the world. The festival could not have completed its 18th year without our sponsors, our volunteers and our local communities. These people all assist in making the festival enjoyable for our visitors and our performers. With the support of our sponsors, we are able to keep this event free to the public, giving everyone access to world-class music and performers.

Dear Editor, To whoever thought that excluding the Olympia Brass Band from New Orleans from the 2008 version of the Great American Brass Band Festival in favor of new bands was a good idea; To whoever had the idea that eliminating this band that has been a part of the festival since its start would give fans exposure to "more of what happens in the brass band world;" To whoever decided that this energized, identifiable,...

The Great American Brass Band Festival marketplace is open in the old Save-A-Lot location on Main Street, next to city hall. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition to the 2005 souvenirs, past posters, T-shirts and other items are available. Picnic tables available Tables still are available for the festival picnic June 11. Tables are located in front of the stage and on the hill by Old Centre. Cost is $150 for the tables that seat eight.

Bourbon and Brass, which kicks off the Great American Brass Band Festival, tonight at Beaumont Inn in Harrodsburg is sold out. The event features a tasting of the finest bourbons and music by the Miles Osland Quartet.

Here is the schedule for today's Great American Brass Band Festival: Centre College Main Stage 9:15 a.m.: Music begins 9:30 a.m.: Community Church Service 11 a.m.: National Capital Salvation Army Band Noon: Great Olympian Traditional Jazz Band 1 p.m.: Chicago Brass with soloist Steven Mead 2 p.m.: Advocate Brass Band 3 p.m.: Athena Brass Band 4 p.m.: DiMartino/Osland Jazz Orchestra with soloist Allen...

The Advocate Brass Band kicked off the Fourth of July celebration at the U.S. Embassy in Greece before a stellar crowd. The post card the newsroom received from reporter Brenda Edwards said, "The July 4 bash at Embassy was one of a kind. All the top brass and politicians were there, and so were we!" Elizabeth Corwin, press officer at the embassy, said about 3,000 people were present at the reception hosted by Ambassador Thomas J. Miller and his wife, Bonnie. "This was their final 4th of July reception in Greece so they wanted it to be extra special.