Started about 30 years ago by Larry Drouin, it has performed during the summer for many cities and towns throughout the North Shore of Boston. It has performed multiple times each season at Salem Willows Park in Salem, Ma. Mr. Drouin has been the only conductor. He never missed a concert.
The American Federation
of Musicians and the
Music
Performance Fu
nd have helped pay for these concerts in conjunction with
local sponsors. In the case of the Salem Willows Concerts the sponsors are
The Salem Willows
Merchant
Association and the
City of
Salem Trust Fund.
In past years, the MPF picked up the tab for the entire concert. There was no need for sponsors. However, as a direct result of internet music piracy, there has not been as much money available from the recording industry. You see, for each recording you purchase a portion of the proceeds go directly into the MPF coffers. This is the money used to pay the musicians for FREE public concerts. The musicians do get paid but not nearly the amount they deserve. All of them perform for the joy of performing.
The history of this concert band is long but it's future remains a mystery. If we can find sponsors within various cities and towns, we will continue to provide quality music for free so that you, your children and grand children can enjoy some very memorable quality time together just as families have been doing for a long long time.