Jazz band is forced to improvise at concert

The opportunity to enjoy her favorite form of music drew Linda Voldness to her first Hopelands Summer Concert Series performance.

"I love Dixieland," she said.

The Fort Gordon Crooked River Dixieland Band served up a mix of Dixieland jazz and blues in tunes such as Tin Roof Blues and I've Found a New Baby at the Aug. 8 concert

Led by Sgt. 1st Class Tom Strayer, the band had to make a few last-minute changes. Jazz is filled with improvisation and spontaneity, and the band's adaptability was put to the test because the piano player had a family emergency and couldn't make the concert.

Acoustic guitar player Sgt. Jason Smelser filled in at the last minute.

The concert was moved from the outdoor stage at Hopelands Gardens to H. Odell Weeks Activity Center because of inclement weather earlier in the day.

Jeff and Cindy Speer are regulars to the concert series.

"We try to make as many as we can," she said.

Their favorite concerts are by military bands. The Fort Gordon Concert Band played June 13, and the Parris Island Marine Corps Band played July 5.

When a military band is on the schedule, "we know it's going to be good," Mrs. Speer said.

The concert series runs from May through August.

Reach Charmain Z. Brackett at czbrackett@hotmail.com.

Hopelands Concert SeriesConcerts begin at 7 p.m. - Monday: Catherine Stapleton and Friends - Aug. 29: Aiken Community Band