Vintage Band Festival, Day One: A Fabulous Start

Vintage Band Festival director Paul Niemisto can be extremely persuasive – so persuasive, in fact, that the weather couldn't resist his request for assistance on Thursday, the first day of the festival.  We had perfect conditions for the outdoor concerts scheduled throughout the day – it was sunny, and much less humid than what we've experienced lately.  Let's hope that continues through the weekend!

Here are some of my festival-related experiences from Day One:

Seb and Elias say goodbye to Liisi and Saini, Finnish band members who stayed with us.

Saini and Liisi perform with the rest of their 40-member youth band from Helsinki.

The Zumbrota (Minn.) Town Band in concert.

The Chestnut Brass Company from Philadelphia wows the crowd.

The Jack Brass Jazz Band from Minneapolis encourages audience participation.

Band concerts are even more enjoyable with ice cream – right, Frances?!

Hannah and her French silk pie ice cream from Hogan Bros.

The Copper Street Brass Quintet entertains patrons at the Contented Cow.

An impromptu show by members of Kenny Carr and the Tigers, who will perform at 7 p.m. Friday in Bridge Square.

We're off to a fabulous start, and ready for Day Two!