Town & Gown Community Band presents free summer concerts on June 3 and July 4
By Jennifer Robertson | May 15, 2025
MURRAY, Ky. 鈥 The 麻豆视频官网入口 Town & Gown Community Band will present two free concerts
this summer.
The first concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3 at the Rotary Amphitheater
located in Central Park on Gil Hopson Drive in Murray. In the event of inclement weather,
the concert will be held in Lovett Auditorium located on Murray State鈥檚 campus.
The second summer concert will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 4 inside Lovett Auditorium.
The Town & Gown Community Chorale will join the Community Band for the July 4 concert.
For the June 3 concert, the Town & Gown Community Band, which is comprised of about
80 members from both Murray State and the community, will be conducted by Dr. Ashley
Shoupe, Murray State assistant director of bands. Guests at the June 3 concert will
enjoy a dynamic and engaging program featuring selections such as 鈥淪ongs of Old Kentucky鈥
by Brant Karrick, a tribute to the region鈥檚 musical roots, and the bold and expressive
鈥淭o Be Vivid Stars鈥 by Satoshi Yagisawa.
The Murray Bank Ice Cream Machine will be in Central Park from 7-7:30 p.m. on June
3, offering a sweet treat to kick off the evening. The public is welcome to bring
lawn chairs and blankets to the amphitheater.
For the July 4th Freedom Fest Concert, Dr. Bradley Almquist, Murray State professor
of music, will conduct the Community Chorale, and Dr. Ashley Shoupe will again conduct
the Community Band. Audience members can relax in the air-conditioned comfort of the
recently renovated Lovett Auditorium as they enjoy holiday favorites performed by
both the band and chorale, including traditional patriotic music, music from American
folk traditions and African American spirituals.
鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing quite like the sounds of music filling the summer air, and we are
thrilled to welcome back our incredible Town & Gown Community Band and Chorale. Their
time, talent and commitment bring so much life to our community, and we are deeply
grateful to the generous individuals and organizations who support Murray State Town
& Gown and make experiences like this possible,鈥 said Jennifer Robertson, coordinator
of the Town & Gown Community Partnership program. 鈥淭hese performances are a true celebration
of community spirit 鈥 open to everyone 鈥 and reflect the heart of what Town & Gown
represents: unity, collaboration and the joy of shared traditions. We invite you to
join us this summer for an unforgettable season of music, fellowship and gratitude.鈥
Both concerts are free, and the public is cordially invited to attend.
The Chorale will begin rehearsals for the July 4 concert on June 2 at 6:30 p.m. in
Room 314 of the Price Doyle Fine Arts Building. No audition is required to join the
chorale but a love of singing. Music is provided and fun is encouraged. For more information,
please contact Dr. Bradley Almquist at balmquist@murraystate.edu.
The Town & Gown Partnership is an ongoing collaboration between 麻豆视频官网入口
and the surrounding community that aims to enhance the quality of living and learning
for everyone in the community. Town & Gown Partners include leaders from Murray State
University administration and student government, local and state government, industry,
small business, banking, health care providers and other community organizations.
Membership fees help fund community projects and events such as these summer concerts.
For more information about joining Murray State鈥檚 Town & Gown program, please contact
Jennifer Robertson at 270-809-3924 or jrobertson38@murraystate.edu,