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Lifestyles over 50

Memories of Allentown, PA—Band City USA (2006)

Dec 13, 2022 02:00PM ● By Roy P. Bellesfield
As I sat one lovely summer evening listening to a band concert at West Park in Allentown, PA, I enjoyed the lovely setting: beautiful sycamore trees spreading over the park benches, the walkways around the park lit up by pretty Victorian-style lamps, flower beds of geraniums and cannas, and a large fountain flowing with a soft murmur of serenity.

To add to the splendor of it, lightning bugs sent their soft glow to brighten the setting as they danced to the pleasant sounds of the bands and music that ranged from Broadway to the movies to the sounds of the 20s to modern day. All numbers were done by well-trained musicians. Accompanying the bands are singers who perform show tune lyrics and even operas or operettas that still have a luster for today’s listeners.

I enjoy talking to people who travel long distances to hear the concerts. If you attend any of theses concerts, I assure you a pleasant evening of enjoyment and make you want to return to relax and give you a feeling of elation and bring back pleasant memories of the past and right up to present days.

Allentown is called Band City USA as there are four bands in the city of Allentown: the Allentown Band, the oldest band in the country was formed in 1828, the Marine Band, the Pioneer Band, and the Municipal Band. The schedule for 2006 was 51 concerts and provided good music all summer long.

I’ve been attending these concerts since I was a child. My parents took my brother and sister and me to West Park when we were children, and we loved the summer concerts. In fact, my mother said I took my first steps as a child at West Park. When I grew up and married, we pushed the baby carriage with little ones to hear good music and enjoy the summer evenings. I am now a widower and attend most of the concerts and I have made friends with some of the regular goers who exchange some cheerful words before the program begins. I thank God I can still drive my car and enjoy some of the good things life affords to all. I encourage all to attend the wonderful concerts. Although the 2006 concert series is over, I look forward to seeing some of you readers at the band concerts next year.