Welcome to the official website of The Great American Brass Band Festival, a one-of-a-kind event committed to preserving brass band music through performance and education. The Festival seeks to showcase diversity in brass through a variety of genres, presentations and performances. In addition, the Festival is committed to bringing the best brass musicians in the world to its stage. Patrons enjoy performances, free of charge, in historic downtown Danville, Kentucky.
The festival works towards making an experience that is entertaining for all generations and musical experts. The festival also works to bring diversity to the musical selections and the events offered while staying true to the spirit of the festival. This event brings tens of thousands of people together to enjoy a beautiful weekend of music, family and fun.
2013 Dates: June 6th – 9th. We will announce the 2013 line up and events just after the first of the year. It will be another fantastic year for the Great American Brass Band Festival. We hope you can join us.
- Performer Information
- Learn about the performers.
- Food Vendor Information
- Become a GABBF food vendor.
Newsflash
A Note of Thanks from Vince Di Martino
The Great American Brass Band Festival 2012 is officially over as my son departs for home. I am lucky to be seeing him again soon!
Thanks to all the special guest soloists, band members and students from UK, Centre, and many other places! Thanks to the great City of Danville and Boyle County! Thanks to host Centre College and the people who keep our school looking so wonderful! Thanks to Mark and the fantastic stage crew for flawless execution of the the event. And of course, thanks to Niki Kincaide, Ron Holz and the entire GABBF crew of volunteers! Special thanks to all sponsors!!!
Always remember that this festival is successful because it is about the community that enables it to happen. Not many places could conjure up such a synergetic event. Thanks so much for the efforts expressed to me, my students and all the guests!
In these times of great debates and divisiveness, it is nice to know that people can agree on at least one thing! Long live GABBF!
Vince
The Events The premier events for 2012. For more, view the schedule and map of the event venues.
Bayou & Brass
Friday, June 8th, 2012
Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler, Let the Good Times Roll here in downtown Danville. Enjoy this first ever New Orleans style street party with live music, food, drinks, street performers, contests and more. Free Event
Learn MoreBrass Symposium
Friday, June 8th, 2012
As we salute Vince DiMartino in Trumpetissimo, our Band History Conference changes into a Brass Symposium focused, naturally, on the cornet and trumpet. Outstanding performers and scholars will provide a highly entertaining and informative day, with music ranging from the natural trumpet of the Baroque era to the Golden Age of the cornet soloist to the modern era of virtuosic trumpet repertoire and performance.
Learn MorePicnic and Concert
Saturday, June 9th, 2012
The Great American Picnic is the highlight of the Great American Brass Band Festival. Picnic table patrons decorate their tables in elaborate and colorful themes, while many fans bring lawn chairs and settle in for an evening of brass music under the stars.
Learn MoreParade
Saturday, June 9th, 2012
The official kick off to a weekend of free concerts, the parade marches down Main Street Danville with bands, vintage cars, clowns, and local personalities.
Learn More
