*
banner

River City Brass prepares for concert returns

After their enforced Covid-19 break, the 40th anniversary of River City Brass Band will be celebrated by a season of concerts.

River City Brass
  The band celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2021

River City Brass will be making their long awaited return to the concert stage under the baton James Gourlay later this year — and just in time to start their 40th anniversary celebrations.

The band which was formed in 1981 has become a hugely successful part of the Pittsburgh arts and music scene, and although hit hard by the restrictions and lockdowns of Covid-19 in the past year or so, has ensured that it has stayed in touch with its supporter base.

Just in time

Speaking to 4BR, Director of Marketing, Andrew Blight said: "It has been a tough year but we're delighted we are coming through it just in time to celebrate our 40th anniversary."

Such has been the communal approach to ensuring the band's return that that during the period of inactivity budgets were voluntarily cut — including the Director Music James Gourlay taking a 30% reduction in his salary.

However, thanks to the hard work and support of those linked to all levels of the organisation the return to the contest stage will see the band at full strength with a series of five concerts all in advanced planning.

Celebration

Andrew added: "Our fans will enjoy the same band that won their hearts before anyone had heard of Covid-19. RCB's first ever concert was in November of 1981, so we'll be celebrating 40 years of great music all season long!

We have a remarkable history, but our future looks bright too, which is why we've titled this season, 'The Roaring 40s!'."

We have a remarkable history, but our future looks bright too, which is why we've titled this season, 'The Roaring 40s!'River City Brass

Concert themes

It will see the band perform a special 'Birthday Bash' concert in November featuring great swing numbers, followed in December and then March 2022 with their regular 'Christmas Brasstacular' and 'Celtic Connections' events — both of which have become 'must see' concerts for families.

That will be followed by a 'Brass to the Future' in the April featuring music chosen by the band's large supporter base, before they finish the season with 'Resilience' celebrating a return to music making in Pittsburgh and beyond.

Composition prize

Andrew added: "Those last two concerts will also feature works by finalists in our first-ever River City Brass New Composition Prize.

Aspiring composers from around the world will be invited to compete and the winner will be chosen by the RCB audience, so watch out for details!"

James Gourlay taster:

https://www.facebook.com/rivercitybrass/videos/214620663852281

http://www.rivercitybrass.org/

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Brighouse

Report & Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • A fait accompli for Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King as they are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd