Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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Army Ground Forces Band to Offer Summer Concerts by ERINN CRIDER may be skeptical about concerts presented by soldiers, these fears are wholly Thanks to its strong connection to Fort Bragg, the citizens of Fayetteville have a unique level of access to the military. One way that this benefits the community is the unfounded. These soldiers auditioned for the band, and many of them have trained many events that the military sponsors and that local citizens get to enjoy. One such at the nation's leading music schools. A prime example of the skill level required event is the concerts presented by the Army for this band is the current commander Ground Forces Band, the Summer Salute. and conductor, Captain Daniel Toven. He The Army Ground Forces Band has a has a masters of music in conducting from rich history. Originally the Fourth Infantry Eastman School of Music, and numerous Regiment Band, it was formed on July 21, other accolades such as attending the 1845. The Armed Forces Band is the only Pierre Monteux School for Orchestra and military band that has received a combat Conductors. distinction, which it earned by fighting in One of the most incredible things about The the Mexican War. The band now serves by Army Ground Forces Band is its mastery of performing all around the country for events multiple genres of music. With the Summer ranging from local festivals to inaugurations. Salute the band is highlighting its flexibility by performing many different styles. Local performances are particularly special "Each concert promises to be a highly for the band, however. entertaining evening of music by some of "The Army Ground Forces Band arrived at the Army's most talented soldier-musicians. Fort Bragg in the summer of 2011. Since that The remaining concerts will feature the time, the band has endeavored to find ways to serve the area's citizens and strengthen the Loose Cannons rock band (Aug. 9), the Jazz ties between the Army and the surrounding Guardians (Aug 16) and the Concert Band communities. To further those goals, the band (Aug. 30)," said Eubanks. worked closely with the City of Fayetteville, It is fun for the whole family, and has The Army Ground Forces Band is set to perform several concerts for the community Parks and Recreation and the Arts Council something for everyone to enjoy. with its Summer Salute Series. to plan this year's inaugural outdoor concert Festival Park is located in downtown series. The band's first performance on June Fayetteville at 225 Ray 20, was attended by several hundred people and honored firefighters, paramedics, Ave. The concerts are free to the public and it is recommended first responders and members of the Red Cross for their service to the community. that those attending bring a blanket or a lawn chair. The The biggest reward is being able to play for the members of our host community; the concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are scheduled on Aug 9, 16 and biggest challenge is getting Mother Nature to cooperate," said Carol Eubanks, the 30. For more information, visit the ERINN CRIDER, Staff Writer. public affairs specialist with the U.S. Army Forces Command Public Affairs Office. website www.forscom.army.mil/band COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomThis summer, the band will offer free concerts in Festival Park. While many or call 570-7223. ingweekly.com. Mud Bog Run Raises Funds for Fire Department, Relay for Life by JEFF CASHWELL Big trucks, small trucks, old trucks, new trucks and mud trucks. No, this isn't a Dr. Seuss story, but the scene of Aug. 10 at the Outback Motorsports Complex in Laurinburg. The Mud Bog Run will raise money in support of the local Spring Hill Fire Department so that the firefighters can better equip themselves to save lives and homes. Additionally, some of the money will be donated to Relay For Life. The Mud Bog Run is what one might expect. ATVs, dirt bikes and trucks are welcomed to tear up the mud track for an evening of unadulterated, mud-slinging fun. Mudding became popular in the '70s throughout the United States and Canada and still remains immensely popular today. "It's cool to see the guys go through mud bogs. It's pretty popular to a lot of people. We'll have a threeacre pond in the back, too. We'll have a little bit of mud wrestling and a little bit of everything," said Mike Evock, owner of Outback Motorsports Complex. "It's a good, family-oriented event and park," Evock said. "It's an event for people to get together, have some food, have a good time and have fun." While enjoying the mud bog, pick up some concessions and enjoy the DJ at the event as well. WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Also, there will be a bouncy house for the kids to enjoy. This is the first Mud Bog Run in support of the Spring Hill Fire Department. The money raised will help the department buy more firefighting equipment as well as aid their construction efforts in adding to the department's new building. The Mud Bog Run is the perfect social event to have a great time and support a good cause. If this is your first mud bog run and you'd like to participate directly, Evock has some advice. "Just have good tires on your truck and go right ahead," Evock said. "Go out there and go for it. Give it a shot." Relay For Life is the charity of the American Cancer Society. Since 1985, Relay For Life has donated more than $4 billion to cancer research. Participants in the relay jog different laps to bring awareness to the harm cancer does to society. The organization began in May of 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt ran around a track in Tacoma, Wash., for 24 hours, ultimately raising $27,000 for the American Cancer Society. A year later, hundreds of supporters joined the event and it has since grown into a worldwide phenomenon. Do not miss out on the chance to help save lives in two different ways. The gates to the event will open at 9 a.m. And the mudding will begin at 3 p.m. For more information about this event, call 916 0284. JEFF CASHWELL, Intern. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly.com. AUGUST 7-13, 2013 UCW 7