Greco Band shows set for the weekend

The Dominic Greco Band will celebrate 106 years of music in the Tuscarawas Valley with a free, family-friendly event that will take place Saturday, June 21 at 7 p.m. in the Claymont High School auditorium, 4205 Indian Hill Road, Uhrichsville. A second performance will take place Sunday, June 22 at 7 p.m. at the Tuscora Park Amphitheatre in New Philadelphia.

The group is led by Directors Brian Botdorf, Cheryl Graham and April Linard.

“It’s exciting to host a concert indoors at our high school and show the relationship between our founder Dominic Greco and the Claymont district,” Linard said.

The concert program includes the “Pines of the Appian Way” from Ottorino Respighi’s “Pines of Rome,” Julius Fučík’s “Entry of the Gladiators,” selections from Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” Rossini’s “The Italian in Algiers” and the “Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy” by Tchaikovsky.

Several standout solo performances will be featured. Steve Stroup will perform a horn solo in the cinematic piece “Wingspan.” Robert Kaser will play a vibraphone solo arrangement of the guitar classic “Classical Gas.” Vocalist Ron Barkett will perform the “Drinking Song” from the opera “La Traviata,” arranged by local composer Ron Geese.

“This program showcases the dramatic and emotional power of music — from ancient Rome to star-crossed lovers,” Botdorf said. “It’s a thrill to bring these works to life for our community in such a festive and welcoming environment.”