Chandler’s Band of Portland to play at Fort Allen Park tonight

Tonight (Thursday) at 7 p.m., the Chandler’s Band will perform in the city’s Summer Outdoor Concert Series at the historic Fort Allen Park Gazebo on the Eastern Promenade. The event is sponsored by the city’s Recreation and Facilities Management Department and the Willey Trust. Rain date is Aug. 5.

The 27-member Chandler’s Band of Portland will play a variety of old time standards, Sousa marches and even some clever interpretations of contemporary hits, the city reported.

Organized in 1833, the Chandler’s Band is believed to be the nation’s second oldest professional band in continuous service. Originally called the Portland Band, the group took their leader Daniel Chandler’s name in 1843, and at the request of General Francais Fessenden, the band was mustered into the service of the Union Army, serving until the close of the Civil War, furnishing music for the 1st, 10th, 25th, and 29th Maine regiments. For more than three decades, the band has given hundreds of Portland spectators a music filled night at the gazebo on the East End. The concert is free and open to the public.

For more information about the city’s Summer Outdoor Concert Series visit the city’s website at www.portlandmaine.gov/rec/summer.htm or contact the Recreation Division office at 756-8275.