The Brisbane Citizens’ Concert Band is set to open its 2026 season this month with a performance of popular music, show tunes and light classical pieces.
The concert, Dance Dive and Drive, will take place at the Sandgate Town Hall on Sunday, 22 March, with a program designed to entertain music lovers of all ages.
Brisbane Citizens’ Concert Band President John Winch said the concert would be a vibrant and energetic program featuring music by The Beatles, Quincy Jones and Rossini, “blending timeless classics with irresistible toe-tapping grooves”.
“For anyone who has not heard a concert band before, the experience is always filled with excitement, rhythm and celebration,” John said. “Our instrumentation allows us to adapt to all styles of music, and this means we can shape our performances to suit any occasion.”
Band History, Membership and Community Roots
The Brisbane Citizens’ Concert Band, a community concert band based in Nundah, was founded in 1919 by music store owner, Albert Kaeser. He started the band as part of a rehabilitation program for soldiers returning from World War I.
“Mr Kaeser led the band for an extraordinary 46 years, establishing a proud tradition of music-making,” John said. “The band was one of five original groups performing in Brisbane’s inaugural Bands in the Parks series and played regularly in repatriation hospitals and rehabilitation centres. In its long and varied history, the band has been known for its strong civic presence and commitment to service through music.”
The band has around 30 members, aged between 17 and 90, from varied cultural and professional backgrounds.
“Membership currently comprises students, retirees, tradespeople, working professionals, professional musicians and retired military band musicians,” John said. “New members are always welcome.”
Adrian Head, who has studied conducting internationally, currently serves as the band’s Music Director.
“Adrian has conducted numerous orchestras and ensembles both nationally and overseas,” John said.
Ahead of this month’s performance, John said the Brisbane Citizens’ Concert Band was delighted to return to the Sandgate Town Hall.
“We held the band’s centenary concert there in 2019 because it is an ideal size for the band and also our audience,” he said. “It’s big enough without being too big and is unsurpassed in old-world charm and ambience.”
Admission to Dance Dive Drive is $20 for adults, $15 for concession/student, and free for children under 12 years. Book your places here.
Follow Brisbane Citizens’ Concert Band on Facebook.
Brisbane Citizens’ Concert Band Presents Dance Dive Drive
- Sunday, 22 March, 2pm-4pm
- Sandgate Town Hall
- Cnr Cliff and Seymour Streets, Sandgate
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