Sarasota Concert Band performs annual Memorial Day show at Phillippi Estate Park

There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Memorial Day in the Bradenton area and to honor the veterans who have given their lives in battle.

One way to do that is with an outdoor afternoon concert that has become a local tradition.

The Sarasota Concert Band, a 62-year-old symphonic band, will present its annual Memorial Day Concert starting at 2 p.m. Monday at Phillippi Estate Park in Sarasota. The idea of the concert, besides offering great music on a holiday afternoon, is to honor all branches of the military and service members who have lost their lives while serving in the armed forces.

The Sarasota Concert Band’s annual concert is one of the most long-lived Memorial Day traditions in this area, dating back more than 35 years.

The first half of the concert will be devoted mostly to patriotic songs, including “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful.”

In the second half, the focus shifts to an upbeat mix of jazz pieces and Broadway tunes.

Vocalists will join the band for the performance.

Also on the program are a keynote speaker from the armed forces, Civil War re-enactors and a color guard made up of Nokomis Boy Scouts.

Food vendors will be at the park, but guests are invited to bring their own snacks and beverages.

Details: 2-4 p.m. May 29, Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $5; 16 and younger free. sarasotaconcertband.org.

This story was originally published May 24, 2017 at 4:32 PM with the headline "Sarasota Concert Band performs annual Memorial Day show at Phillippi Estate Park."