The end of an era for this Modesto institution is about to begin. What you need to know
The 2024 season for MoBand kicks off June 6, the final stretch of shows for longtime conductor George Gardner.
This season will mark his 60th year with MoBand, the last 46 years as conductor.
Gardner’s retirement was announced earlier this year. He will pass the baton to Brad Hart, who was named band manager and assistant conductor last year.
So, does he have any regrets about his retirement?
“Not yet,” Gardner said, laughing. “I say that because I haven’t gotten in front of the band yet, I haven’t gotten to that last concert.”
For now, he said he’s excited to get the season started, about getting together with the musicians and playing music.
“So far, it feels like any other summer,” he said.
Gardner, 75, will continue to be involved with MoBand in some capacity, whether playing trumpet or helping Hart with some conducting duties, he said.
The upcoming concert season marks the 105th anniversary of the Modesto Band of Stanislaus County, known as MoBand.
The theme for this year’s shows at Mancini Bowl in Graceada Park is “Rockin’ Out” and kicks off with a Graffiti Summer concert, “Cruisin’,” on Thursday, June 6, according to a press release.
The free concerts will be held Thursdays beginning at 8 p.m., through July 11, with the exception of this year’s patriotic show. It will move to Wednesday, July 3.
Here’s a look at this season’s concert schedule, according to the release:
June 6: “Cruisin’,” with the music of Billy Joel, Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly.
June 13: “Swing, Inc.,” with swing-era music featuring that of Bing Crosby, Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller.
June 20: “Let’s Rock,” featuring the music of Jimmy Buffett, The Association, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.
June 27: The “George’s Faves” concert will offer some of the conductor’s favorite selections from the past few years.
July 3: “Love America” presents patriotic music.
July 11: “Celebrate!” will feature selections from the season. The concert also will celebrate Gardner’s retirement.
MoBand concerts attract thousands each summer to Mancini Bowl, where people traditionally hold their spots on the lawn surrounding the stage by putting down blankets early in the day. Many take along picnic dinners to enjoy later during the shows. There also is some bench seating.
MoBand is one of the oldest community bands in the United States, according to the press release. It has an average membership of 130 performers.
Membership is open to all area musicians who have graduated from the eighth grade. There are no auditions. For more on MoBand, see www.moband.org.
Gardner said he hopes people will get out to hear the band this summer. “We have a really fine group of musicians.”
It “probably” will be an emotional season for him, he said. “It’s hard to say, sometimes these things just sneak up on you when you least expect it.”
