Back in 1776, a kid named Rufus Sanderson was a real Yankee Doodle Dandy.
He fought in the Revolutionary War and 240 years later, one of his relations, Sheri Hudson, turned up in the Savannah Center to listen to “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” It was all part of “A Patriotic Spectacular” Sunday by The Villages Bands. Both concerts were sold-out.
“My ancestor was Rufus Anderson; he lived in Massachusetts and was 17 when he fought in the war for Independence,” said Hudson, who belongs to the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Hudson was dressed in Colonial garb Saturday, selling tickets for the concert that benefitted Fisher House, which provides housing for relatives and friends of severely wounded veterans. The Villages Bands announced they have raised $110,000 for Fisher House.
“I love this kind of patriotic music,” Sheri Hudson said. “It fits in with the holiday as we salute our veterans.”
Charlotte Rupakus, a Villager decked out in red, white and blue, including her hat, agreed. “This music is about freedom, and the people who sacrificed so we can have our freedom.”
Watch video of last night’s performances:
Three conductors of local bands all took part in the program that featured about 130 musicians on stage. Jean Butler, of the Concert Band was joined by Ward Green of the New Horizons Band and Hugh Wicks of the Hometown Band. They all combined for the concert, hosted by George Del Monte.
Put them all together and you have a splendid, lively and patriotic way to soak up American music and spirit.
It started with a majestic version of the “Star Spangled Banner.” Three members of American Legion Post 347 in Lady Lake, presented the colors. Bob Suelter, Larry Luebben and John Gibbons carried the flags.
“It’s an honor for us to be here and be a part of this,” Gibbons said.
The concert had the packed Savannah Center clapping, cheering and singing. “A Salute to Bob Hope,” brought back memories of the late comedian who used to travel the world to entertain the troops. The band played Hope’s theme song, “Thanks for the Memories.”
Next up was a salute to George M. Cohan, featuring such numbers as “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and “You’re A Grand Old Flag.”
“You’ll probably recognize these songs and want to sing along –don’t,” said George Del Monte, sounding like a Redcoat. Then he laughed, and told the crowd: “I’m only kidding. You can sing, stomp and whatever you want to join in. We’re celebrating the holiday.”
There was more fun when Villager Carol Howley won a raffle to be guest conductor. Ward Green gave her some coaching on the fine art of conducting. “Welcome to conducting 101,” he told her and then waved his baton up, down and side to side. “That’s all you need to know,” Green said.
The band had a little fun with Howley, starting off key. But then Jean Butler handed Howley a new baton and she led the musicians through an energetic number called, “Liberty Bell.”
Then came one of the highlights of the concert, “God Bless America.” John Bird, John Rogerson, Tom Scheponik and Lee Shawcross displayed plenty of harmony and heart, singing the Irving Berlin classic.
Jim Borad brought similar emotion while narrating “Duty, Honor, Country.” Many stood up for the “Armed Forces Salute” to all branches of the service. The concert ended in rousing style with a heart-pumping rendition of John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
