A benefit concert for the historic Gill House will be at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 28 at the pavilion of the First United Church of Christ at 248 Harding Way West in Galion. The concert will feature the Shawshank Big Band under the direction of Damian Boyd. The concert is free, but free will donations will be accepted.
The Gill House is a part of Preserving Galion History, a 501c3. The house itself is a Galion landmark and has important ties to American history. The Gill family was one of the earliest European settlers in this region. The Gill House has hosted notables such as Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone. The home was designed by noted architect Louis Kamper of Detroit. Efforts are ongoing to preserve and restore the home.
The concert series is part of the music ministry of the First United Church of Christ in Galion. The church hosts concert featuring the Shawshank Big Band on the last Sunday of every month. This concert will be held outside in the pavilion of the church, if weather permits and in the church is case of rain. Concert goers are asked to bring lawn chairs to enjoy this concert. Free popcorn will be proved the Mission Committee of the church.
The Shawshank Big Band is an organization formed to preserve the music of the Big Band Era. The band plays many transcriptions of the great songs of the 1930’s, 40’s and early 50’s. The band is under the direction of Mr. Damian Boyd, a noted area trombonist. The sixteen piece big band features talented musicians from around north central Ohio. This July concert will feature many songs made famous by the Count Basie Orchestra.
Concerts are free to the public. A free will donation is requested. The donations are split by the band and the Gill House.
