Band offers free weekly concerts

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - An outdoor concert by the Lafayette Citizens Band is a summer tradition for many. In this week's HELEN Magazine segment, we'll find out what makes this band so special.

Every summer the Lafayette Citizens Band makes a weekly date with its downtown Lafayette audience. From Memorial Day to Labor Day the band plays every Thursday night at Riehle Plaza. Board President Diane Walkup said between 300 and 500 people attend the weekly concerts.

"We have a lot of people who have come for years, very loyal audience and a lot of new people who wander in and out," Walkup said.

What began as an all male military band, has grown to include all ages, skill level and gender. Now women make up half of the 130-member band and its board members.

"We have local community members, we have professional musicians, some are currently music teachers in our community, some are retired," Walkup said.

Audiences can expect to hear everything from Broadway to Classical and Swing music. Every night the audience is treated to a Sousa march. The summer concerts are free, all you need to bring is a lawn chair.

You can still catch the Lafayette Citizens Band in action every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in Riehle Plaza. Their final concert is on Labor Day at 7:00 p.m. For more information click here: http://www.lafayettecitizensband.org/