Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 12/14/2022
(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Mercer County Community College’s (MCCC’s) esteemed Mercer County Symphonic Band will perform a Winter Holiday Concert December 21 at 7:30pm at Kelsey Theatre on the College's West Windsor campus. The event is free of charge and can be accessed by livestream at this link on the night of the event.
The symphonic band was formed in 1979 by the music department at Mercer County Community College as a performance opportunity for students. For the past 23 years, the band has been directed by Dr. Lou Woodruff.
In addition to presenting its annual winter concert at Kelsey Theatre, the band also performs a free annual spring concert and performs at college functions and community events.
Woodruff recently explained how the band has evolved to bring Mercer County Community College and the community closer together.
“To expand instrumentation, musicians from the community were invited to join along with the students,” said Woodruff. “The band continued to be part of Mercer County Community College and the ensemble soon became recognized as the County’s community Band, then in 2000 it was designated the Mercer County Symphonic Band,” he said.
The band continues to rehearse on campus and remains a vibrant part of the community.
“Since it was formed, more than three hundred area musicians have played in the band spanning eight decades in age, ranging from fourteen to eighty-eight,” Woodruff said. “Auditions have never been required to be a member, and anyone can still just walk in, sit down, play, and stay for as long as they wish.”
According to Woodruff, the pandemic disrupted community bands across the country.
“The band was unable to play for nearly two years,” Woodruff said.
Despite the disruption, the band is back with a core of 40 musicians. And Woodruff is more dedicated than ever to its success.
“The band is dedicated to improving the performance skills and artistic sensitivities of its members and the appreciation and understanding of its audiences,” he said. “The people are the focus. The band is the vehicle.”
In addition to being the band’s director, Woodruff boasts a 50-year career as a music educator, teaching at the elementary through post-graduate levels. He also teaches psychology at Bucks County Community College.
The Mercer County Symphonic Band is funded in part by the Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission through a Grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
To learn more about the Mercer County Symphonic band including upcoming events, listening in and/or rehearsing with the band, please visit https://www.mercerband.org/home.
Kelsey Theatre is located on the campus of Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road in West Windsor. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible and free parking is available next to the building. Assisted listening devices are available upon request. For a complete listing of events, visit the Kelsey website at www.KelseyTheatre.org. Please note that masks are recommended but not required while in the theatre.
PHOTO BY Lou Woodruff
EVENT PREVIEWS
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on July 30th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 7:30pm. This special concert features Herb Alpert, along with his six great musicians, Bill Cantos (piano & marimba), Kerry Marx (guitar), Ryan Dragon (trombone), Kris Bergh (trumpet), Ray Brinker (Drums), and Hussain Jiffry (bass), playing all the favorite TJB hit songs.
NJPAC presents Jazz Icon Herbie Hancock on July 31st
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) announces the return of the legendary Herbie Hancock for a one-night-only performance on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. This concert promises to be an unforgettable evening, showcasing the incomparable artistry of one of the most influential musicians of our time.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bees Deluxe and Eclipse on July 31st
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Boston-based British/American modern blues powerhouse Bees Deluxe are buzzing back into Tuckerton with their electrifying live show, landing at The Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. Fresh off advancing to the semi-finals this year at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Rising Sun Presents: A Funky Reggae Party on August 1st
(KING OF PRUSSIA, PA) -- Rising Sun Presents will celebrate summer with A Funky Reggae Party in Heuser Park on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The evening will feature performances from legendary acts Steel Pulse, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe playing Jimmy Cliff, and The Original Wailers ft. Al Anderson. The lineup also includes The Philly Reggae Allstars ft. members of Wareika Hill. Tabernacle & more, along with DJ sets from Solomonic Sound System (Rob Paine) and Traveler Sounds.
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center presents John Violinist on August 1st
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- John Violinist will perform at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) on Saturday, August 1, 2026 7:30pm. John is an international violinist and performer who has fused the sound of classical music with the sound of today's popular music.
The Stone Pony presents John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band on August 1st
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band return to The Stone Pony on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The band has been delivering their patented good time rock 'n' roll for more then 50 years now. This is an all ages show; doors are at 6:30pm.
Art, Poetry, and Conversation Unite at Monmouth Museum at Dunellen
(DUNELLEN, NJ) -- Jo-El Lopez will present a special edition of Art in Conversation on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Monmouth Museum at Dunellen (266 North Avenue) in Dunellen. The free public event will feature an engaging artist talk by acclaimed abstract artist Bryant Small, followed by original spoken-word performances inspired by his artwork.
The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is another one of Pat Guadagno's popular tribute shows featuring an all-star cast. Limited tickets remain.
Todd Sheaffer & Yarn to headline 2026 Soulstice Music & Arts Festival
(CLINTON, NJ) -- Todd Sheaffer & Friends, Yarn and the Bobby Syvarth band featuring Tim Carbone will headline the Second Annual Soulstice Music & Arts Festival in Clinton. The 3-day event, with over 25 bands, takes place at the Red Mill Museum in historic Clinton from Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2026. The festival is presented by the Pattenburg House and The Peace Love Music Movement.
FEATURED EVENTS
