You can vote
HERE
to boost the chance for the Red River Valley Veterans Concert Band to receive up to $25,000 from the proceeds of the KFGO Listener Cookbook.
Equally important, listen to the podcast and learn about this great organization!
“The Red River Valley Veterans Concert Band began as the Gilbert C. Grafton American Legion Post 2 (Fargo) band, performing regularly as entertainment for area military clubs, much like the military bands did for our service men & women throughout history.
In 1997, the group incorporated as the Red River Valley Veterans Concert Band, with goals of attracting more musicians, more donors, and sharing its musical enjoyment by performing more public concerts and performing in a larger area of the surrounding region.
Bernie McKigney, a Vietnam Veteran and former director of the US Army 188th band, has directed the band for over 20 years. Amy Johnson was co-director in 2006. In 2009 Aaron Romain became a co-director with Bernie as the two men continue leading the band on its mission.
The all-volunteer band members share in the many tasks required to keep the band going, from maintaining a library of music; planning, organizing, and coordinating all concerts; keeping the books; tending to the uniforms; maintaining the bands social media and publicity needs; and pitching for any other needs the band has to continue its mission of promoting patriotism through music.
The band is governed by board of directors, elected by the members from within their ranks. The board elects the officers for band leadership. Board members have rotating, three-year terms and can be re-elected to the board. Except for a minor compensation paid to the two co-directors, no band or board member receives any compensation for their time or instruments.”
Special thanks to Cynthia and Brad for educating us about this amazing band that celebrates patriotism through their love of music.