A warm summer evening, timeless tunes, and a worthy cause will come together on Sunday, August 3, as the Shawshank Big Band takes the stage at 6:00 PM at the pavilion of First United Church of Christ, 248 Harding Way West.
The concert is free and open to all, with a free will donation invited. Contributions will benefit both the Shawshank Big Band and the Galion Kiwanis Club, which will use its portion to support the Back Pack Food program for local students in need.
Big Band Sound Under the Stars
Led by acclaimed trombonist Mr. Damian Boyd, the Shawshank Big Band is a musical gem of north central Ohio. Known for channeling the golden age of swing with fresh energy, the group will bring a “breezy summer take” to the jazz standards audiences love — with plenty of space for top-notch improvisation.
The ensemble features seasoned and emerging musicians from across the region, united in their dedication to preserving and reimagining the big band sound. For fans of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and modern jazz stylings alike, the evening promises toe-tapping rhythms and lush arrangements.
Feeding Young Minds and Bodies
The Galion Kiwanis Club, co-beneficiary of the evening’s donations, is partnering with Community Action to ensure that no child goes hungry. More than 160 Galion students benefit from the Back Pack program, which sends food home with children in need over weekends and breaks. As the need grows, so does the community’s response.
“The Kiwanis Club is stepping up to make sure no child is missed,” organizers say, and this concert is one more way the community can rally around that mission.
A Community Tradition in a Welcoming Venue
The First United Church of Christ continues its tradition of hosting the Shawshank Big Band as part of its community outreach mission. With its welcoming grounds and central location, the church pavilion offers the perfect summer concert setting.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating. The site is handicap accessible, though shaded areas are limited, so guests may want to plan accordingly.
Come for the music, stay for the spirit — and support a cause that echoes beyond the last note played.
