Capitol City Band

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courtesy Jim Latimer

Jim Latimer, left, and Dave Pedracine of the Capitol City Band.

Jim Latimer, left, and Dave Pedracine of the Capitol City Band.

For more than 50 years, the Capitol City Band has called Rennebohm Park home for its summer concert series, and this summer’s ongoing park renovations will not change that. The season opening concert on Juneteenth will feature musical selections to honor the holiday. For this summer’s series, longtime conductor Jim Latimer is passing the baton to Dave Pedracine (who also stepped in as conductor for the VFW Post 1318 Band this past season); Latimer will still be very involved as music director. Concerts continue on Thursdays through Aug. 21; watch for updates at facebook.com/capitolcityband.

media release: Capitol City Band: Dave Pedracine, conductor; Jim Latimer, music director

Thursdays, 7:00 pm, Oscar Rennebohm Park, 115 N. Eau Claire Ave.: June 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7, 14, 21.

July 17: Annual salute of appreciation to the men and women of the Madison Police Department. Acting Chief John Patterson to conduct the Capitol City Band, something he and other city officials have been doing to keep this now 57 year tradition alive and well.

Made possible by Capitol City Band Association – Boosters and Friends of CCBA

CCBAmadison@gmail.com 608 225-4220

more on the season: 

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” with the Capitol City Band at the opening concert on Thursday, June 19! According to Dave Pedracine, the music is the way to celebrate. Latimer echoes the theme “it’s about the music! Dave understands that and that’s why he is conducting the summer series of free Capitol City Band Concerts in the Park.” Latimer says it is exciting that Juneteenth falls on a Thursday and the band can celebrate with music.

The opening concert is Thursday, June 19 at 7 pm at Rennebohm Park in Madison. Despite lots of construction within the parkland, the free concerts go on – something this band has done for the past fifty-six years. According to Pedracine, the parkland (that’s Rennebohm Park) is an ‘absolute mess’ (under playground construction of a splash pool) but that won’t stop the Capitol City Band (CCB) from playing the regular series of free concerts at Rennebohm Park. Afterall, it is posted beautifully on the side of the shelter “home of the Capitol City Band.” “Don’t let the construction frighten you,” says Latimer, “you can still park within the parkland for those who can’t walk the distance from street parking. There is even a chain-link fence to negotiate but we will have volunteers there to guide you.” Madison Parks has suggested parking on the east side of the shelter for those needing to walk shorter distances.

Like many celebrations of that day, CCB will play spirited music to reflect the Juneteenth celebration and what it means. Music such as a piece arranged by the late Dr. Frank Ferriano entitled “Festival March” which combines Lift Every Voice and Sing and Battle Hymn of the Republic. Other selections include Celebration of Spirituals and Daughters of Texas in the spirit of the celebration. Who knows! The band may even play “Celebration” made famous by Kool and the Gang. Among other favorites is Selections from the Sound of  Music as the band makes the surrounding hills come alive with sound. The construction at the park is ill-timed considering the band’s more than 5-decade history of playing the free concerts each summer. But Latimer and Pedracine concur “it’s about the music and those whose lives are made better by the music.” 

Long-time bandleader Jim Latimer is stepping aside. In his words “not going anywhere” meaning Latimer intends to be nearby to assist as needed and to cheer the band on. Latimer conducted the Capitol City Band since 1981. He says he is excited to pass the torch, to pass the leadership on to the next generation. Pedracine, a Jim Latimer’s protégé, has been associate conductor of the band since the mid-80s and has just completed his first season as conductor of the now 75-year-old volunteer VFW Band, the sister organization that plays September through May. In Latimer’s words “he [Pedracine] is a fine conductor; he has a profound sense of accuracy.  I like what he does. You are in good hands.”

Mark your calendars for ten consecutive Thursday evenings beginning June 19. Rennebohm Park is located at 115 N. Eau Claire Ave., Madison. The opening concert will also feature singer Megan Kramer. She will sing Blue Skies and Till There Was You.  Trumpet soloist Zach Masa-Myers will perform Ode for Trumpet.

The Capitol City Band concerts in the park are made possible in part by the individuals and businesses who are the CCB Boosters and the Friends of the Capitol City Band Association, Inc. CCBA has also received assistance this season from the Madison Arts Commission and the Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission. 

Concerts are free and open to the public. Music for all ages and all cultures. Bring a friend, bring chairs and let summer begin with concerts in Madison’s beautiful Rennebohm Park. Visit the website ccbamadison.org. Follow the VFW Band-Post 1318 and Capitol City Band on facebook. For more information, email ccbamadison@gmail.org or call 608 225-4220.