Check out Great American Brass Band Festival Website

By SHEILA J. CLARK
Staff Writer

This year's Great American Brass Band Festival kicks off the weekend before Father's Day weekend and as usual it is jammed-packed with loads of fun.

Can't make the trip? Don't worry, GABBF lovers can tune into the festival all year around via the festival's virtual homestead on the Internet at http://www.gabbf.com.

This year's Website design has taken on a classic look and feel to tie in with the concept around the festival's 10th anniversary.

The site was initially launched in 1996 by the Advocate to provide brass lovers with the most comprehensive Website for the festival.

Utilizing the site's user-friendly atmosphere, site visitors can easily find all the latest information concerning this year's festival. Information from the schedule of events and festival articles to a printable order form are all accessible.

On the site, visitors can access the Website of festival's host band, the Advocate Brass Band. To access the band's homepage, click on the Advocate Brass button or point your browser to http://www.gabbf.com/abb/advocate.html.  

Other features on the GABBF site include:
* The Chautauqua Tea featuring the prelude to the festival held the Thursday before the festival.

* Directions to Danville that also includes a venue map of the festival site.

* Photo Gallery features submitted photos of past festivals.

* Band History Conference spotlights conference information, the schedule and a printable registration form.

* Area Sights to See offers information about area historic sites.

* Featured Band spotlights randomly selected brass bands.

* The Bands section features the current years' performers, include background information, photos and links to their Web pages if available.

* Dine & Recline serves up suggestions on things to see and do during festival downtime.

* GABBF Archives features things from past festivals including posters, logos and Festival Guides.

* Brass Links offers links to brass-related Web sites.

A Guest Book, Great American Picnic information and a special GABBF On Tour section can also be found on the site.

Future additions to the site will include the opening of the Interact section featuring live chat.

The site was designed by Sheila J. Clark, Internet columnist and electronic services coordinator for The Advocate-Messenger.