Sarge Boyd Bandshell
Encyclopedia
The Sarge Boyd Bandshell of Eau Claire
, Wisconsin
, as home to the city's oldest community musical organization, has played a significant role in the cultural development of the entire Chippewa Valley. The structure was designed by city engineer Alex Garnock for the purpose of showcasing the Eau Claire Municipal Band
. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
in 2003 as the Owen Park Bandshell.
According to Garnock, "The City at this present time has no bandshell, but has an excellent City Band organization attracting good attendances."
Built in 1938, it was a project of the Works Progress Administration
costing $10,000 and taking 111 man months to complete.
In addition to the Municipal Band
concerts, the historic bandshell, which has often been described as the "centerpiece" of Owen Park
, has been used for weddings, church services, speeches, plays, movies, festivals, fairs, and other types of public gatherings.
In 1992 it was dedicated to master showman :Donald I. "Sarge" Boyd whose half century of musical contributions to the city have had a profound impact on virtually everyone who worked under his direction.
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Eau Claire is a city located in the west-central part of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 65,883 as of the 2010 census, making it the largest municipality in the northwestern portion of the state, and the 9th largest in the state overall. It is the county seat of Eau Claire County,...
, Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
, as home to the city's oldest community musical organization, has played a significant role in the cultural development of the entire Chippewa Valley. The structure was designed by city engineer Alex Garnock for the purpose of showcasing the Eau Claire Municipal Band
Eau Claire Municipal Band
The Eau Claire Municipal Band of Eau Claire, Wisconsin presents free family-oriented programming throughout the summer at the Sarge Boyd Bandshell in Owen Park. Seating is provided but some concertgoers prefer to bring their own. In the event of rain, performances are held at the Eau Claire Masonic...
. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
in 2003 as the Owen Park Bandshell.
According to Garnock, "The City at this present time has no bandshell, but has an excellent City Band organization attracting good attendances."
Built in 1938, it was a project of the Works Progress Administration
Works Progress Administration
The Works Progress Administration was the largest and most ambitious New Deal agency, employing millions of unskilled workers to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads, and operated large arts, drama, media, and literacy projects...
costing $10,000 and taking 111 man months to complete.
In addition to the Municipal Band
Eau Claire Municipal Band
The Eau Claire Municipal Band of Eau Claire, Wisconsin presents free family-oriented programming throughout the summer at the Sarge Boyd Bandshell in Owen Park. Seating is provided but some concertgoers prefer to bring their own. In the event of rain, performances are held at the Eau Claire Masonic...
concerts, the historic bandshell, which has often been described as the "centerpiece" of Owen Park
Owen Park (Eau Claire, Wisconsin)
Owen Park is an 11-acre parcel of land with numerous trees, benches, and historical signage that stretches along the west bank of the Chippewa River from Lake Street to Water Street...
, has been used for weddings, church services, speeches, plays, movies, festivals, fairs, and other types of public gatherings.
In 1992 it was dedicated to master showman :Donald I. "Sarge" Boyd whose half century of musical contributions to the city have had a profound impact on virtually everyone who worked under his direction.