Newtown Hosts The 15th Annual Joseph P. Grasso Marching Band Festival Saturday

Seven high school marching bands from Connecticut will take to the football field at Newtown High School this Saturday, September 24, for Newtown’s “home show,” The Grasso Festival, of the US Scholastic Band Association (USSBA) Marching Band and Guard competition.

The event is set to kick off at 6 pm, with doors opening at 5. The competition will feature the Newtown High School Marching Band & Guard’s exhibition performance of “In Sania,” which features selections from the Broadway musical Jekyll and Hyde. Fourteen seniors and their parents will then be honored for their years with the Newtown Marching Band & Guard, under the direction of NHS Band Director Kurt Eckhardt.

First Selectman Pat Llodra is scheduled to be joined by Newtown High School Assistant Principal Jason Hiruo and former NHS Band Director Jack Zamary to present the trophies to Class II, III, IV, V Open and VA level participants. Caption awards for Best Music, Best Percussion, Best Overall Effect, Best Visual Performance, and Best Color Guard will also be presented.

The Grasso Festival is a fundraiser for the NHS Marching Band & Guard. Band Parents will be have baked goods, pulled pork, chili served in a bread bowl, and macaroni and cheese, along with freshly grilled hamburgers and dogs, at the event. All will be available for sale beginning at 5 pm.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens. Children 5 years old and younger are admitted free.