School orchestras perform at Bradenton's McKechnie Field

   A few hundred of the best young musicians from around Manatee County will gather at McKechnie Field next month.
   Orchestras from two high schools and five junior high schools will perform a "Concert in the Park" on Oct. 19. The seven orchestras comprise more than 400 students.
   The high school orchestras come from Manatee and Braden River high schools. The Braden River, Haile, King, Lee and Nolan middle school orchestras are also on the bill.
   For the student musicians, the concert, sponsored by the Bradenton Marauders and the Pittsburgh Pirates, is a chance to stretch their musical abilities and to play in a setting that's unusual for orchestral music,
    “It’s an exciting opportunity to blend orchestral music and baseball,” said David Pope, the director of orchestras at Manatee High School. “We will present a variety of non-traditional orchestra music in a very non-traditional orchestra atmosphere.”
    The show will feature music that fits the setting, including such ballpark favorites as “YMCA” and “The Final Countdown,” plus more traditional orchestra pieces. 
   Gates open at 5 p.m., and the music begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 per family, and they're available at any of the participating schools. There will also be tickets available at the gate. The money will go to the Manatee County Schools Orchestra Program, to help the schools purchase new music and cover the cost of acquiring and maintaining instruments.   
   For information, call Pope at 941-714-7300, ext. 2186.

David Nail concert highlights Bradenton Marauders celebration

  The Bradenton Marauders will celebrate Independence Day -- a bit early -- with fireworks, prizes and a concert by country star David Nail.
  Nail, who topped the country charts with "Let It Rain" and had top-20 hits with "Red Light" and "Turning Home" will headline a full evening of activities July 2 at McKechnie Field. He'll perform after the Marauders game against the Fort Myers Miracle, which starts at 6:30.
   Also on tap for the evening are post-game fireworks -- the biggest fireworks display yet at the renovated McKechnie Field - and a pre-game ceremony honoring World War II veterans who were or will be part of Honor Flight of West Central Florida, a program that sends vets on a day trip to Washington, D.C.
  The first 1,000 fans who walk in the gates will receive commemorative baseballs, and the Marauders' red, white and blue jerseys will be auctioned during the game.
  Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Group tickets can be purchased by calling 941-747-3031 or by visiting the McKechnie Field ticket office. Single game tickets are available now at the McKechnie Field ticket office or online at www.bradentonmarauders.com. Fans can save $2 per ticket by purchasing tickets in advance.