Get Into Fall Spirit at Abilene Community Band’s Free Concert

The Abilene Community Band was founded on July 4th, 1976, and has been performing ever since. The director of the band is Joe Stephens, retired Abilene Independent School District Band Director. Mr. Stephens was my 9th-grade band director at what used to be called Mann Junior High School.

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Joe, throughout the years, also directed at Lee Elementary, Abilene High, Cooper High, and several other schools throughout the AISD. I recall my first marching band parade in downtown Abilene for the Fair & Rodeo Parade. Yep, Mr. Stephens walked the entire parade looking, listening, and taking pictures.

Nowadays when I get the chance, I love listening to the Abilene Community Band perform. While I still don't know where Joe Stephens comes up with his varied playlist, he seems to cover all genres of music. With jazz, blues, swing, big band, Christian, Latin, rock, and country, the Abilene Community Band will keep you entertained and tapping your toes.

The Abilene Community Band is back to performing live and they'll be at the historic Paramount Theatre at 352 Cypress Street in downtown Abilene for their Fall Concert on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, beginning at 7:30 PM. While this is a free concert, donations are appreciated, so please give generously. Get there early to secure the best seat in the house. But if you ask me, I don't believe there is a bad seat at the Paramount Theatre.