One if by land: British invade Marion with music, cars
Aug 2, 2024
The Marion Concert Band performed its “British Invasion” program of music from across the pond Friday, Aug. 2 and was joined by the Cape Cod British Car Club. Photos by Erez Ben-Akiva
Five British cars parked in front of the bandstand.
East Sandwich residents Jerry and Ellen Wojcik’s 1974 Triumph TR-6.
The band performs behind Sandwich residents Pam and Mike Dallaire’s 1998 Jaguar XJS to the concert.
MARION — Paul Revere would never dream of it.
On American soil, and in the Bay State no less, British art and engineering shined during a Friday summer evening. The Marion Concert Band performed its “British Invasion” program Aug. 2 at the bandstand just off Sippican Harbor.
Invited to the concert of music from across the pond were members of the Cape Cod British Car Club, who parked their automobiles in front of the stage.
The club has joined the program for over a decade, according to Tobias Monte, director of the Marion Concert Band.
Jerry and Ellen Wojcik, of East Sandwich, brought their dark red 1974 Triumph TR-6.
“It’s good to get out and do things,” Jerry Wojcik said.
The TR-6 is considered the last British sports car, he said.
Ellen Wojcik said it’s a “fun car to drive.”
“Especially when you’re older,” she said. “Makes you feel younger.”
Pam and Mike Dallaire, of Sandwich, drove a red 1998 Jaguar XJS to the concert.
“We drive it all the time,” Pam Dallaire said.
Mike Dallaire said British cars are a “jealous mistress.”
Rounding out the lineup of Cape Cod British Car Clubs vehicles visiting Marion were a Morgan, an MG, and a Mini Cooper emblazoned with the Union Jack.
“To own them is to love them,” Dallaire said.
For the “British Invasion” show, the Marion Concert Band performed works by Percy Aldridge Grainger and the third movement — Knightsbridge March — of Eric Coate’s “London Suite,” among other pieces. The band also played a medley of Beatles songs.
One non-British tune did manage to sneak its way into the program in honor of the current Summer Olympics in Paris. The band performed “March of the Olympians,” an entrance march written for the 1960 Olympics, according to Monte.
While five British automobiles bounded the stage, a sixth vehicle sat in the Island Wharf parking lot during the performance.
Bill Kingsland, a trumpet player in the Marion Concert Band, drove his yellow 1952 MG TD to the show.
“The New England season is short enough, so you bring it out when you can,” Kingsland said.
