British invasion comes to Marion

MARION — Beatles and Jaguars and MGs, oh my!

As the band played British music -- from traditional marches to "Ticket to Ride" -- the public perused a selection of classic English cars at the Robert Broomhead Bandstand on Friday, Aug. 4.

The Marion Concert Band played a number of tunes from across the pond during the British Invasion themed concert. 

According to Marion Concert Band director Tobias Monte, The Marion Concert Band holds a weekly themed concert every Friday in the summer.

“The thematic concerts make things kind of interesting,” he said. “Sometimes the themes attract different audiences.”

Mattapoisett resident Christine Musser said that she has attended every thematic concert this year. 

“I just really like this type of music,” said Musser. “No matter the theme it is also good.”

Monte said that in addition to “die hard fans” the British invasion concert also attracts car enthusiasts due to the Cape Cod British Car Club’s participation in the event. 

The club brought a handful of classic British cars for show including a handful of MG sports cars, a vintage Jaguar and a 1958 Morgan. 

According to Cape Cod British Car Club treasurer Chris Mamakos, one difference between British and American cars is that British cars “don’t like the rain.”

“It is amazing because it rains a lot in Great Britain,” he said. 

As audience members examined the vintage vehicles, The Marion Concert Band played melodies such as an arrangement by Michael Sweeney that featured popular Beatles songs such as “All My Loving,” “Ticket to Ride” and “Yesterday.”

Marion resident and Marion Concert Band musician Wendy Rolfe performed a piccolo solo during “The Wren” by Eugene Damare. 

As an English and American citizen, Rolfe was happy about the night’s theme. 

“It’s great because there is a very long British band tradition in the military and in the countryside and cities,” she said. 

The next performance by Marion Concert Band will be held on Friday, Aug. 11.