River City Brass, featuring its special blend of American tunes, will kick off the 2022-23 season event offerings for ArtsLink on Sept. 27 at the Lincoln Theater in downtown New Martinsville. This concert is sponsored by J. C. Mensore Distributor, Inc.

Hailing from Pittsburgh, River City Brass features a special blend of American tunes, Big Band swing and jazz, Broadway and Hollywood music, classical and contemporary masterworks, and traditional marches.

The group will bring an eight-piece ensemble to Tyler and Wetzel counties, for both a public concert and a school activity. New Martinsville native Adam Leasure will be performing with the group.

In 1981 a musical renaissance took place in Pittsburgh under the baton of conductor Robert Bernat, when he brought the River City Brass to the Carnegie Music Hall stage for its inaugural concert. It was an evening of musical excellence and determination to bring about the revival of the grassroots tradition of the American brass band.

Over its history, RCB has had three maestros. The astute selection of Dr. James Gourlay was a watershed moment for American brass band music. Gourlay, a Scotland native, is acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest brass band conductors. An acclaimed tuba soloist, he began his career at age 18 as the principal tubist of the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Orchestra of the Zurich Opera. Gourlay also conducted Great Britain’s Grimethorpe Colliery Band, leading one of the most internationally lauded and prominent brass ensembles in the world on a touring schedule throughout the British Isles, Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

Ticket prices for ArtsLink members are $10 individual, $15 family; non-members, $15 individual, $25 family; students $5. Credit cards will be accepted.

Funding for this program was made possible with support from West Virginia Northern Community College and WETZ/WYMJ Radio. This program is presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts. ArtsLink is committed to providing universal accessibility wherever possible. Persons with special needs may contact us at 304-455-2278 to request assistance. ArtsLink is committed to providing universal accessibility wherever possible. Persons with special needs, or for additional information, call the A