North Coast Concert Band to play free holiday show on Dec. 2

PORT CLINTON — North Coast Concert Band director John Kustec said he's put together a varied program for the band's free holiday show on Dec. 2 in Port Clinton, with a bit of something for everyone."Everyone is invited," Kustec said. "We have some great musicians. It's just a great way to start of the holiday season."Ever since it was formed in 1983, the band does free holiday concerts. It has about 85 musicians, ranging in age from 22 to 96. The band practices every Tuesday night at Bellevue High School.The Dec. 2 show will feature Christmas music such as "Festival Fanfare for Christmas," a piece that combines "Joy to the World" with "O Come, All Ye Faithful," and tunes such as "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and "Sleigh Ride," the famous Leroy Anderson. There will be medleys from the Charlie Brown and the Seuss Grinch TV specials.There will also be a medley of Hanukkah music, featuring tunes typically played during the Hanukkah season."We're trying to be a little more diverse," Kustec said.Several of the tunes will be jazz, Kustec said."We're trying to appeal a little bit to everybody," he said. "If you come to our concert, you'll find something you enjoy."Some of the band members are musicians who have found a way to make a living with music. Kustec is a retired Perkins Schools band director. The North Coast band features Kustec's daughter, Jennifer Kustec Barringer, a Port Clinton band director at the middle school who plays the flute.Kustec's son-in-law, Josh Barringer, is an assistant band director at Sandusky High School who plays trumpet with the North Coast Concert Band.But while there are quite a few band directors in the band, many come from all walks of life and perform because they played in high school or college and don't want to give up music. Band members include doctors, lawyers, teachers, stay at home mothers and retired people, among other professions.Attorney Bill Menacher, who played in college bands, is a member of the North Coast band and president of the band's board, Kustec said.Kustec said everyone who likes to play can join the group. Information is available at www.northcoastconcertband.com."Pretty much everybody is welcome, if you have an instrument and you enjoy playing," he said. "People show up and join in. It's pretty much all it takes."Want to Go?WHAT: Holiday show of the North Coast Concert Band.WHEN: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2.WHERE: Port Clinton Performing Arts Center, 821 South Jefferson (at the high school).COST: Free.The North Coast Concert Band. John Kustec, director of the North Coast Concert Band.