"Both events are free and the public is invited," says director Kevin Lines. "The idea of the ice cream social came about several years ago when we wanted to say thank you to the loyal patrons who attend our weekly concerts. It has become an annual event and one to which we look forward every year."

The concert will open with John Philip Sousa's "Nobles of the Mystic Shrine."

Although Sousa had already been a Mason for many years, he was sponsored into the Almas Temple in Washington (Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine) by his nephew in 1922. He composed this march in honor of the occasion and was appointed honorary conductor. At the national Shriners' convention in 1923, Sousa led this march in a performance by a gigantic band of 6,200 Shriners at Griffith Stadium.

The first overture of the evening is "Sky Pilot" by A.M. Laurens. Laurens was actually a pseudonym used by C.L. Barnhouse who is best known for his music publishing business. Barnhouse was a shrewd businessman and realized it would be best if his name did not flood the market so he used several pen names.

Dixieland music is always popular at the band concerts and this week the band will perform one of their favorites -- "At A Dixieland Jazz Funeral" by Jared Spears. The Marshall Municipal Band welcomes one of their former members, Clarence Smith, who will be featured on percussion. Smith is a Marshall native and former Marshall High School Band director from 1985-1990. In addition to Smith, his son, Hayden, will be featured on trombone, with Ray Prichard on clarinet, Alan Criswell on trumpet and Dean Somerville on tuba.

"Clear Track" is an exciting galop by Eduard Strauss. The third son of the elder Johann Strauss, he was born on March 15, 1835, in Vienna. He became a harpist in the Strauss orchestra in 1855, and in 1862, joined his two brothers as a full-fledged conductor of the family orchestra. On the death of his brother, Josef, in 1870, Eduard took over the management of the Strauss family orchestra entirely until he disbanded the orchestra in 1901.

2008 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of composer Leroy Anderson. The music of Anderson is firmly entrenched in American popular culture. A composer of distinctive and delightful miniatures, his best-known works include "Sleigh Ride," "The Syncopated Clock" and "Blue Tango." From his "Irish Suite" the band will perform the singular work "The Irish Washerwoman."

Jay Ungar composed the deeply moving "Ashoken Farewell" at the conclusion of a summer music camp in Ashoken in which he participated.

"After he composed this Scottish lament, it took Ungar months before he was able to perform it without being moved to tears," says Lines. The band will pair Ungar's work with a letter from Civil War soldier Sullivan Ballou, read by Randy Shannon. Ballou wrote this letter to his beloved just days before the Battle of Bull Run.

The band turns to the music of the MGM motion picture "The Wizard of Oz." This work arranged by James Barnes includes: "Over The Rainbow," "Ding, Dong, The Witch Is Dead," "We're Off To See The Wizard," "The Merry Old Land Of Oz," and "If I Only Had A Brain."

The band will next perform the fiery paso doble, "Amparito Roca," by Jaime Texidor.

"This work is a staple in many band libraries, but it is not for the faint of heart. It is a workout for every member of the band," adds Lines.

The closing trilogy will begin with Robert W. Smith's moving hymn "Precious Lord, Take My Hand."

The patriotic work is Melvin Shelton's "Centennial." A medley of favorite themes for band, this work includes: "America the Beautiful," "Kingdom Coming," "Listen to the Mocking Bird," "Annie Laurie" and "America."

And as always, the concert will conclude with "Uncle Sammy."