The Vintage Band Music Festival played host to a “Battle of the Bands” between the Wisconsin 1st Brigade Band and the 26th North Carolina Regiment Band at River Front. The setting was where the Cannon River cuts through downtown Northfield with the bands playing on opposing banks of the river.
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Wisconsin 1st Brigade Band at River Front.
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26th North Carolina Regiment Bandat River Front.
The North Carolinians won the coin toss and opened this musical battle of Civil War era band music. The 1st Brigade returned fire with the “Star Spangled Banner.” The concert lasted an hour with each band alternating volley’s of music. Both bands cheered the fine performance of their opponent in this contest of musical ability.
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Wisconsin 1st Brigade Band at River Front.
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26th North Carolina Regiment Bandat River Front.
Both bands gave a fine accounting of music from the Civil War era for the hundreds of spectators in attendance and wrapped up with a massed band performance on the footbridge that spans the Cannon River.
Whether North or South, or fan of “Dixie” or thrill to the traditional cavalry standard, “Gary Owen,” this was one fine concert.
Both bands will be performing again on Sunday.
