|
Did you know that the circus band dates back to the early 1800's, it was fashionable for towns to have their own
bands and Peru was no exception.
Click here to
here a sample of their music.
It became the official Circus City Band
40 years ago when they played at the first circus performance. The
band has come a long way since its original 20 plus members to the 143 that
were involved last year. They range in ages from 13 to 76.
Besides the local members, they come as far away as Louisiana and New York.
Besides playing for the circus, they
cut a CD recording, which has 13 songs. Along with the CD, the band had a
picture booklet printed that tells the history of the band and is available
in the Circus City souvenir shop. They also gave two summer concerts
in Peru, one held at Eastwood Place and one at the Depot.
In June 1999, they were invited for a
return engagement to perform for the Indiana-Kentucky All-Star basketball
game at Market Square Arena. They performed before each game and at
half-time and during the game on time-outs.
If you enjoyed the music during our
circus shows, be sure and stop at the souvenir shop or order a CD or picture
booklet online.
|
|
|
|
1st 40 Years |
|
1960 - 1999 |
The music on this album is but a small
sample of the incredible sounds the Circus Festival Band has provided for
our performances.
The band is a phenomenon! Both amateur
and professional musicians volunteer their time for nearly two weeks each
summer to provide the musical background for over 200 amateur circus
performers, playing more than three hours in each show. This grueling
task draws more musicians than the band loft will hold, a capacity of 60,
requiring that some musicians take turns. Each one will tell you that
it is one of the most enjoyable things they do... and that joy shows in the
enthusiasm with which they perform.
Two of the band members, Rex Stitsworth
and co-director Tom Gustin, have been with the band throughout its entire
40-year history. In 1991, the band added a series of well-received
summer community concerts to their schedule as well. With these
concerts, the energy and enthusiasm they add to the circus is also spread
throughout the community. They are a true community asset.
And now, sit back, relax and enjoy the
sounds of the best circus band in the land ... the Peru, Indiana Circus
Festival Band, played by musicians who just love to play circus music!"
Bruce C. Embrey, Ringmaster
|
