James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor is pleased to announce that the Lakeland Civic Band of Lakeland Community College will play a free outdoor concert on the grounds behind President Garfield’s home at 2 p.m. this Sunday, July 30. This will be the Garfield site’s second of four outdoor concerts this summer. The public is invited to come enjoy live music as the Garfield family might have: outside under large, beautiful trees.
The Lakeland Civic Band is composed of Lakeland students, high school players, school music teachers, directors, and community musicians. It is one of the few community college groups to receive the Sudler Silver Scroll Award for musical excellence and service to the community. The Lakeland Civic Band plays a wide-ranging, eclectic repertoire of tunes. Those interested in auditioning for the Band should contact conductor Frank Cosenza at fcosenza1@lakelandcc.edu.
The concert is free of charge and will be held outdoors on the lawn behind the Garfield home. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, drinking water, sunscreen, and anything else needed for personal comfort. Picnic baskets are welcomed; alcoholic beverages are not permitted. There is no rain date for this concert.
The 2023 outdoor summer concert series is supported by The James A. Garfield Alliance, a nonprofit partner of the Garfield site. Support is also provided by The Garfield Trail of Ohio, another nonprofit partner. Additional concerts will be held on Saturday, August 5 and Saturday, August 19 (both at 2 p.m.).
“James A. Garfield National Historic Site is a great place to take in live music," said Site Manager Todd Arrington. “Music was played on the grounds here several times during Garfield’s successful 1880 presidential campaign. We’re excited to welcome the Lakeland Civic Band back here for another great performance."
James A. Garfield National Historic Site is located at 8095 Mentor Avenue (U.S. 20) in Mentor, Ohio, approximately 25 miles east of Cleveland. The site offers guided tours of the Garfield home, museum exhibits, a biographical film, walking paths, an outdoor cell phone tour, and dozens of annual special events. The National Park Service completely restored the house in the late 1990s, making it one of the most impressive presidential homes preserved for the public.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service