By Alaina Denean

The Selma Times-Journal

The Selma Community Concert Association is proud to present the Capitol Sounds Concert Band on Thursday, Feb. 26 at the J. A. Pickard Auditorium at 7 p.m.

“Were very excited for it to be here, because not often does a city the size of Selma have the opportunity to hear a 65 piece band,” said Doris Holland, association president. “They always perform a variety of music that appeals to everyone.”

The band is made up of a mixture of musical talents under the direction of John Jackson.

“It is quite amazing to have 65 people come in because these people are all volunteer musicians and they come in from all over Alabama,” Holland said. “They’re doctors and lawyers and all kinds of business people that just love music, and they’re glad to volunteer their time to make this band possible.”

The featured vocalist at the concert will be Barbara Stapp Blanks, a Selma native and no stranger to singing in the Queen City.

“Having her here is special because her friends in Selma look forward to hearing her perform,” Holland said.

Blanks said she is excited to come back to Selma and perform for people she hasn’t seen in a long time.

“This is our third appearance [in Selma],” Blanks said. “I always love coming home, very proud to be able to come home.”

Blanks started singing when she was 8-years-old, and then started taking formal voice lessons.

With the support of her parents, her love of music grew.

“Had it not been for their continued support, I would not have had the opportunity to sing for some of the very special events I have been privileged to perform for in these many years,” Blanks said.

Tickets will be available the night of the concert for $25 and can be purchased at the door. CD’s of the Capitol Sounds Concert Band will be available for donations at the show.

“We appreciate the Community Concert audience for always being so willing to attend concerts,” Holland said. “We want to invite everybody to come on out.”