Second Wind Community Band Concludes 33rd Season with Tribute Concert on June 17
The 33rd season of the Second Wind Community Band will close with its annual summer concert, "A Time for Summer," on June 17 at 7:30 p.m. The show will be staged in the Boardmore Playhouse on the Cape Breton University campus in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
The evening is dedicated to the late Laura Mercer, a longtime musician whose passion for the band and the local music community left a lasting imprint. In a release sent by email, band leader Oonagh McMullin said, "Through music and shared memories, the band will celebrate Laura’s lasting impact on the group and the many friendships she helped create." She added, "Her legacy continues to inspire the musicians of Second Wind and the community she loved so dearly."
Program notes: The concert will be conducted by Margaret Miles, with guest conductors Barb Stetter, Alex Bisson, and Brandon Mollon. Special guest conductor Scott MacMillan will lead the band in his composition "A Gift of Time," written for the band’s 25th‑anniversary season.
The repertoire blends tradition, history, culture, and the changing of seasons, reflecting the group’s long‑standing focus on local musical heritage and seasonal themes.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students. Fans can purchase them by emailing swccb.concerts@gmail.com or directly from band members. The event will also collect non‑perishable food items and monetary donations for the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission.
Laurie Murchison will host the concert. The Boardmore Playhouse is a multi‑purpose venue that hosts a variety of cultural events for Cape Breton University and the surrounding community. Information about the concert, including ticketing and program details, can be found on the band’s Facebook page and website.
"A Time for Summer" marks the conclusion of the band’s 33rd season and serves as a community celebration of music, memory, and local heritage, bringing together musicians, conductors, and audiences in a shared tribute to a beloved community member and a milestone in the band’s history.
