Arlington Memorial Gardens Patriotic Concert

I appreciate Peggy Freidhoff arranging for me to play a Patriotic Organ Concert on June 30 at Arlington Memorial Gardens in Mt. Healthy, Ohio.  Also much appreciation to Verdin Organ Division for supplying a CONTENT 236R Digital Organ for the program.  The day was a “ROASTING” start to the July 4 Holiday weekend.  The shade trees in front of the Mausoleum provided a bit of a break from the heat for the lovely picnic provided at no charge for the public.  Great Hot Dogs, Burgers, sides and APPLE PIE made for a great beginning to the festivities.

Once lunch was over, about 175 persons ventured inside the mausoleum for the program.   This was my first “mausoleum” concert and I found it to be a successful venue.  Following the STAR SPANGLED BANNER, there was Sousa’s LIBERTY BELL MARCH, Handel’s FIREWORKS MUSIC, playing and singing the FIVE SERVICE SONGS recognizing those from each branch who have served and were present, the BATTLE HYMN, GOD BLESS AMERICA, ETERNAL FATHER STRONG TO SAVE plus several American Hymns, ending with Sousa’s STARS AND STRIPES.

The small but mighty CONTENT 236R with 36 pipe organ voices plus 120 orchestral Extra Voices was an amazing little “friend” to play this program.  An enthusiastic standing ovation ended the afternoon.  After goodbyes to all, Cheri and I ended up at the fantastic MT. HEALTHY DAIRY BAR (imagaine that) for large extra thick chocolate shakes to begin cooling off!