The Great American Brass Band Festival (GABBF) celebrates its 25th year in beautiful downtown Danville, Kentucky from June 5 to 8.
Among the brass bands playing this year are several “pioneer” bands featured during the first festival. Others have been favorites over the years and there are a number of newcomers.
Balkan-style brass music will be a feature, with one of the country’s best Balkan-style brass bands, Zlatne Uste from New York City. Balkan-style brass music has never been heard at the GABBF. The new feature film Brasslands that tells the story of this band’s recent, historic trip to and involvement in a significant Balkan brass competition will be shown.
The 25th year celebration kicks off Thursday, June 5 with a Chautauqua Tea followed by a Gallery Hop through historic, downtown Danville. Friday brings an educational component with the Brass Symposium, featuring festival founder, George Foreman giving a history of the Festival.
Follow up this retrospective with a weekend of free music and fun, from the Great American Balloon Race to the Bayou & Brass street party to other concert venues around the area.
As the Festival moves into full swing on Saturday, bands parade down Main Street to kick off a full day of outdoor brass music that continues both downtown and on the Main Stage at the historic Centre College campus.
Music continues Saturday and Sunday, with the feature event being the Great American Picnic on Saturday evening. Sunday brings a relaxing day with a community church service, free concerts and the Grand Finale at the Norton Center.
For further information on the Great American Brass Band Festival’s 25th year celebration and a complete list of schedules and details, please go to gabbf.org.
For more information about top events in Kentucky take a look at Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Kentucky