New era for beloved Modesto tradition will begin this summer. See what and when

MoBand’s 2025 season marks the first in 40-plus years without conductor George Gardner.

After retiring at the end of last season, Gardner handed his duties to Brad Hart, who will kick off the concerts at Graceada Park on June 5.

Hart was named the new conductor last year.

“I’m honored to lead MoBand and be part of this amazing Modesto tradition,” Hart, who leads the Johansen High School music program, said in a recent press release. “I have many great memories with MoBand and look forward to creating new memories as conductor.”

MoBand, aka Modesto Band of Stanislaus County, also has a new band manager, William Melendez. He and Hart will take the stage along with 100-plus musicians for the group’s 106th outing, according to the release.

This season’s theme is “On Tour” and concerts run from June into July.

“Conductor Hart has prepared a musical journey that will take the audience across town and around the world with music from many genres and eras,” the release said. “From classic hits, movie themes, patriotic music, rock classics and music to dance to, there’s music for everyone to enjoy.”

Concerts are free and begin at 8 p.m. — usually on consecutive Thursdays, although this year one will move to a Wednesday, June 18, in observance of the Juneteenth national holiday June 19.

Here’s a look at the concerts planned, according to the release:

▪ June 5: “Across Town,” with music from The Beach Boys, Santana, Tower of Power, Dave Brubeck, “Star Wars” and John Philip Sousa marches.

▪ June 12: “Around the World,” with music from Sousa’s “Hands Across the Sea” to “Malagueña,” Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2 and The Rolling Stones.

▪ June 18 (Wednesday date): “Through Time,” with classic tunes by Glenn Miller, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and rock legends of the 1970s.

▪ June 26: “Across the Silver Screen,” with sounds such as the Captain America March, Heroes of the Marvel Universe, the Symphonic Suite from “Star Trek,” and music from Pixar movies, among others.

▪ July 3: An Independence Day celebration including “From Sea to Shining Sea,” “Amazing Grace,” “America, The Beautiful,” “Stars and Stripes Forever” and more.

▪ July 10: The Summer Finale will feature selections from the season’s previous concerts.

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 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.