‘Sweet Caroline’ in an aircraft hangar? Civic Symphony of Green Bay thinks outside the box for free Father's Day weekend concert at airport
ASHWAUBENON - When the Civic Symphony of Green Bay decided to try something new last summer and perform, not in a concert hall, but in an aircraft hangar, they had no idea if it would fly.
They had looked around the country to see if something similar had ever been done. They found dances in hangars and small chamber groups sometimes playing in terminals as passengers come off the plane, but a full-blown concert of classical music at an airport? Those were few and far between.
Turns out, it took off.
More than 1,200 people brought their lawn chairs to the Jet Air Group hangar at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport last July to hear flight-themed favorites like “Flight of the Bumblebee” and “Danger Zone” from “Top Gun” and, as a bonus, get an up-close look at the small planes that fly in and out. That turnout was double the 500 to 700 patrons CSGB typically draws for its concerts in traditional theater settings.
Not only did the response to the free “CSGB @ GRB” concert surpass expectations, the orchestra also saw an uptick in season ticket sales. For a small nonprofit organization in which the majority of the 75 to 80 musicians are volunteers, it was mission accomplished.
“Instead of just sitting in a concert hall and having people just sit there watching us, we’re trying to go out in to the community more,” said Timberly Kazmarek Marbes, CSGB executive director. “It’s a way to reach new patrons.”
So for Father’s Day weekend, the orchestra is doing it again. In conjunction with Pilotsmith Inc. flight school and Jet Air Group, the symphony is inviting the community to a free concert at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the hangar.
This year’s program will bring back some of the patriotic favorites of last year’s inaugural event, including “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” but will also weave in a theme of music about fathers and father-child relationships. Audiences will hear “Unforgettable,” the Nat King Cole song that became a virtual duet with his daughter, Natalie Cole, and a pair of songs arranged by SCGB trumpet player Shawn Postell, “Father and Son” from “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and the classic Luther Vandross ballad “Dance with My Father."
Guest vocalists for the concert include Darren and Shelly Johnson from Daddy D Productions, the Lake Effect Quartet barbershop group and St. Norbert College soprano Yi-Lan Niu.
The orchestra is accustomed to playing venues where things like a stage, sound system, lighting, chairs, music stands and parking lots are already in place. An airport hangar has none of the above.
“With this concert it’s literally a 32,000-square-foot empty building. There’s nothing in it,” Kazmarek Marbes said. “We have to start from scratch, so we have to haul in all of our equipment — chairs, stands, instruments.”
It will all be set up in time for Friday night’s rehearsal, and because airport hangars are one of the most secure places in the country, it can be left there until conductor Seong-Kyung Graham lifts the baton for Saturday's performance.
The generosity of sponsors in donating everything from the sound system to the hangar space makes the concert possible, Kazmarek Marbes said. While it's a free event, the orchestra appreciates donations from attendees to help cover such costs as portable restrooms, hand-washing stations and shuttle services.
Not only does the concert challenge the orchestra to come up with new themed music for the unique setting, it breaks some of the stereotypes about classical music being a stuffy affair in a formal setting. Audiences can dance in the hangar if they wish, chat up pilots beforehand and even try their hand at blowing a trumpet.
It's another example of CSGB’s efforts to increase its visibility by presenting concerts in new and surprising ways. In 2022, the group performed a concert at Lambeau Field. For a “Greatest Hits”-themed concert in April featuring the best parts of well-known symphonies by Beethoven, Mozart and others, people were encouraged to follow along on their phones for bits of trivia and fun facts about the composers.
“It’s not just sitting in the auditorium with your hands in your lap with your phone turned off and smiling for an hour and then you leave,” Kazmarek Marbes said. “You actually get to interact, participate, learn something. It’s really neat.”
With the orchestra already at work on confirming the date for 2025, the airport concert is on its way to becoming an annual event, she said.
When and where is the concert and how long will it last?
Doors open at noon for preconcert activities and music begins at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Pilotsmith Inc./Jet Air Group hangar at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport. The concert, emceed by WFRV-TV anchor Michele McCormack, is expected to run until about 3:15 p.m.
How do I get there and where do I park?
Don’t go to the main terminal building at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport like you would if you were flying out for spring break or to an away Packers game. You also don’t want to park in the airport’s paid long-term parking lot, as it’s nearly a 1-mile walk to the concert site.
Instead, free offsite parking will be available in the Oneida Bingo & Casino lot across the road at 2170 Airport Drive (watch for signs). Free shuttles will drop people off at the concert site. There is limited accessible parking (with a hangtag, placard or plate) at the hangar. Parking is not allowed along the road or in any other nearby business lots.
Doors will remain open and shuttles will run for an hour after the concert is over.
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What should I bring?
Bring a lawn chair. For those who can't, a limited number of metal folding chairs are available by reserving in advance with a minimum $5 donation to CSGB at gbcivic.org/seats.
Food will be available for purchase on site. Bottled water will be provided.
What shouldn't I bring?
No food or beverage carry-ins and no pets.
What kinds of family friendly stuff is there to do before the concert?
At the Pilotsmith open house, guests can talk with pilots, view aircrafts and take a ride in a full-motion flight simulator. Heid Music is bringing in all kinds of instruments to touch, play and learn about. Kids can make their own craft stick kazoo. Face Painting by Lori & Friends will also be there.
What will I hear at the concert?
“Olympic Fanfare & Theme”
“Overture to the Marriage of Figaro”
“Love and Marriage”
“Dance with My Father”
“American Patrol”
“Armed Forces Salute”
“Sweet Caroline”
“I’ll Fly Away”
“Come Fly With Me”
“Father & Son”
“Battle Hymn of the Republic”
“Medal of Honor”
“America the Beautiful”
“O mio babbino caro (O my dear papa)”
“Unforgettable”
“The House of the Rising Sun”
“Coney Island Baby”
“The Stars & Stripes Forever”
What's this about a Jordan Love-autographed guitar?
Kazmarek Marbes calls it “the coolest guitar I have ever seen.” The Archer Flying Cheese Wedge Electric Guitar signed by the Packers quarterback will be up for bids at a silent auction. Starting bid is $500, with all proceeds benefiting CSGB.
Is the event rain or shine?
Yes. Should there be severe weather, the concert would move to Sunday.
More info?
Find updates on the concert at facebook.com/CivicSymphonyofGB. To learn more about the orchestra, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary next season, visit gbcivic.org.
Kendra Meinert is an entertainment and feature writer at the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact her at 920-431-8347 or [email protected]. Follow her on X @KendraMeinert.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Civic Symphony of Green Bay to play free dad-themed concert at airport
