Several hundred people attended the free Swingin’ Under the Stars big band concert, held June 11 at the Larry G. Crites Memorial Park in Festus, said Barb Lowry, the city’s recreation and tourism director.
The MOBB (Missouri Big Band) under the direction of Joe Pappas and featuring vocalist Joe Scalzitti performed during the concert, which was sponsored by the Festus Tourism Commission.
The MOBB attracts crowds, Lowry said.
“They are definitely a fan favorite,” she said. “I’m going to guess there were 300 to 400 people. That’s about a normal crowd for this event.”
Lowry said the crowd initially sat under the trees, seeking refuge from the heat.
“Every bit of shade had people in it,” Lowry said. “You didn’t want to sit directly under the sun.”
As the sun went down, though, people moved their chairs and blankets closer to the stage, she said.
MOBB fans will get the chance to hear the band again this fall in Festus, Lowry said.
“They’re going to be playing for us again in September for our Sundays at Sunset Concert series at Sunset Park in Festus,” she said. “They’ll kick off the Sundays at Sunset Concerts for the year Sept. 11.”
There is no admission to attend the Sunday at Sunset Concert series either.
Other performers in the series have not yet been announced.