The Bonita Springs Concert Band will present its first concert of the season Sunday, November 2nd at 6 p.m. at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs. The band’s very special guest vocalist will be Carolann Sanita, with guest conductor Paul Murtha.

Carolann will sing “U.S. Armed Forces Salute” and “God Bless America.” The concert is a salute to our troops, veterans and families alike.  Other songs include “Taps for 3 Solo Trumpets and Wind Band,” “Sweet Land of Liberty,” and Paul Murtha will conduct “Arlington (where the Giants Lie Sleeping),” and “Billy Joel Tribute.” 

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Robert Chapin, a decorated Vietnam veteran and author of the nationally acclaimed poem, “The Wall.”  An autographed poster of his famous poem will be available for purchase, which also includes a rare U.S. postage stamp and the impression of Chapin’s Purple Heart medal.   Proceeds will benefit the band.

Carolann Sanita is thrilled to perform again with the Bonita Springs Concert Band. She has toured as Marian in The Music Man and Maria in West Side Story’s international tours. Her notable credits include performances with Linda Eder on Broadway, and roles in various productions such as Les Miserables, Mack and Mabel, and Urinetown. Recently, she reprised her role as Maria in West Side Story and starred in Spamalot as The Lady of the Lake. Carolann has soloed with multiple orchestras and currently teaches voice at FGCU while owning CSV Vocal Studio in North Naples.

Members of the band are under the direction of Gary Smith who retired after 24 years as conductor of the University of Illinois Marching Illini Band and Symphonic Band.  Gary says “the talent of these musicians is tremendous, ranging in age from 16 to 90.”

The concert will be at 6 p.m. in the evening, which will hopefully bring cooler temperatures. Bring your family and friends with a lawn chair on November 2 at 6 p.m. at Riverside Park.

Become a “Friend of the Band”.  Find out more at www.bonitaspringsconcertband.org.   The concert will also be replayed later in the week on Facebook at bonitaspringsconcertband.