The Parris Island Marine Corps Band will perform for free on Monday, 7 p.m. at the Klein Memorial auditorium on Fairfield Avenue as part of the Columbus weekend festivities. The concert is FREE to the public, however, tickets are required. Tickets can be picked up at: Lupe’s Drug Store 3129 Main Street. Lupe’s will be open: Monday – Friday (including Columbus Day) from 9AM – 8 PM Saturday from 9AM – 3 PM.
The Columbus Parade will start Sunday at 1 p.m. at the corner of Wayne Street and Jewett Avenue going south on Wayne St. to Micalizzi’s Italian Ices, 712 Madison Avenue where there will be an Italian Street Festival beginning at 11:00 and running to 5:00. There will be singers, dancers and marching bands, food, Italian treats and even a cannoli-eating contest.The Parris Island Marine Band was established on Oct. 28, 1915. Musicians originally doubled as marksmanship instructors, close combat instructors and provided support for various units on the depot. Today, the Marines of the Parris Island Marine Band make up the concert band, marching/ceremonial band, brass band, brass quintet and a jazz combo. The Parris Island Marine Band’s primary mission is to provide musical support for recruit graduations and other military ceremonies and events. In addition to playing at approximately 40 recruit graduations each year, the band also performs concerts and parades across the United States. The band was also a 2009 and 2013 recipient of the Col. George S. Howard Citation for Musical Excellence for Military Concert Bands.
This is the 26th year that a Marine Band is visiting Bridgeport as a part of the Columbus Celebration sponsored by the Council of Italian American Societies of Greater Bridgeport.
This is a great event. Chris Caruso has been the lead sponsor for the Marine Corps Band presence in Bridgeport. I urge all to go and enjoy these talented warriors at the Klein.