The Great Bend City Band had its first concert of 2025 Thursday evening, performing in the Clayton L. Moses Memorial band shell on the courthouse square. It was the final concert for conductor Grant Mathews, who is leaving for other opportunities. The concert was dedicated to the late Joe Boley, who passed way Sept. 4, 2024.

Boley was a retired band director for Great Bend Public Schools and a former City Band director and member. He also wrote a history of Great Bend City Bands. This is the 140th year for the band.

Following City Band tradition, the concert opened with “The Star Spangled Banner” and ended with a march by John Philip Sousa. In between, narrator Justin Engleman said there was something for everyone.

The playlist included “Mr. Joe,” something Boley’s River Band Five+1 Dix

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