“I think this is a historic City Band concert,” Woodstock Opera House manager Daniel Campbell said. “To my knowledge, the City Band has never played inside the Opera House before.” When the National Weather Service issued a warning about dangerous air quality for Woodstock last week, Campbell was thinking about the band and those listening […]
Staff Report news@thewoodstockindependent.com Because of poor air quality, Wednesday night’s City Band Concert will be held inside on the stage of the Woodstock Opera House. The city announced the move from the usual venue, the bandstand at the Park in the Square, after state and local officials declared the air is “very unhealthy” because of smoke from […]
By Morgen Neuhauser news@thewoodstockindependent.com The sound of “Governor’s March” by Col. A.F. Hand filled the Square last week, thus beginning Woodstock City Band’s first concert of its 139th season. The band played songs such as “Constellations” by James Curnow and “The Skywriter March” by J. Bergeim, every song relating back to the theme of “The […]
On warm summer days, Woodstock regulars don’t think twice about seeing motorcycles on the roads. But biker Duane Peiffer carries unique cargo that might make him stand out – his set of golf clubs. “I like motorcycles, and I like to golf,” Peiffer said. “I figured there must be a way to combine them, and […]
By Julia Eastham news@thewoodstockindependent.com Community members wrapped in blankets as they filled the Park in the Square last week to listen to the 138th annual concert season of the Woodstock City Band. While it was a cold beginning to the summer series, some people were brave enough to enjoy the ice cream offered by the […]
Rep. Underwood to host town hall Aug. 9 at MCC Congresswoman Lauren Underwood will have an in-person town hall Monday, Aug. 9, in McHenry County. The 90-minute event will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. 14, Crystal Lake. Doors will open at 3:45 p.m. Attendees are asked to […]
As many eyes were focused on the Woodstock City Band in its first concert of the season last week, band members were watching Woodstock Willie during his special appearance as guest conductor. Borrowing from a feature during the pandemic concerts of 2020, woodwind performers were spread out on the bandstand while brass performers and percussionists […]
A retiring clarinet player and a new player with the Woodstock City Band have a special connection. Laurie Brophy began playing for the band in the summer of 1978, when she was invited to join after graduating from Woodstock High School. She moved to northern Wisconsin last summer but commuted to Woodstock for the weekly […]
Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.
Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.
Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.
Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.
