The Great American Brass Band Festival

GABBF 2008
June 12-15, 2008

Navy band during parade

Beneath the Stars and Stripes, United States Navy personnel take part Saturday in the GABBF parade on Main Street in Danville. Troy Anderson Copyright The Advocate-Messenger

Step back in time and celebrate an American Tradition!

Imagine a lazy summer day on a picture-perfect college campus in a Norman Rockwell small town, listening to the world's best brass band musicians playing patriotic tunes and favorite popular standards on three stages. Add to that four days of family fun rounding out a magical, musical experience consistently called the nation's foremost festival of brass band music. Year after year, the Great American Brass Band Festival attracts more than 40,000 visitors from around the globe. Don't miss out on the fun!

Planning ahead? Mark your calendar for the 2009 Great American Brass Band Festival on June 12-14, 2009!

Webmaster's tip: Wear comfortable shoes, bring an umbrella or raincoat, a blanket, a camera, some sunscreen and a lawn chair!

GABBF Balloon Race
Balloons prepare to take off at the Boyle County Airport during the Great American Balloon Race Friday in Danville. Clay Jackson/Staff Copyright The Advocate-Messenger

Mexican theme table
Pat Liebschutz decided to cook Tex-Mex for her food table at the festival, she went with a “Viva la Fiesta”
theme. Advocate Staff Photo Copyright The Advocate-Messenger

2008 Festival videos

Coming soon!

Thursday, June 12

Chautauqua Tea 2 & 3 p.m. - The 2008 Chautauqua Tea will feature a full tea and musical Chautauqua performance at 2 p.m. June 12, 2008, at Toy Box Catering, 312 W. Main Street, Danville and The Community Arts Center, 401 W. Main Street, Danville. Tea time will be at 2 p.m. at the Toy Box Dining Room and at 3 p.m. in the Community Arts Center, in conjunction with the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration.

Tickets are $20.00 per person and are now available for the full tea and performances. Reservations are a must and tickets are limited.

New Event! - Beer, Bourbon, and Brass 7-9 p.m. - Beaumont Inn, Harrodsburg. Tickets are $25.00 in advance; $30.00 at the door.

Spend an evening celebrating the unique of tastes of Kentucky with the state’s finest bourbons and award winning Kentucky Ale, while supporting The Great American Brass Band Festival. Purchase tickets by calling 800-755-0076 or 859-236-7794. All proceeds support The Great American Brass Band Festival.

Friday, June 13

Brass History Conference 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Norton center for the Arts - Theme: Abraham Lincoln and American Band Music
Gain new insights during presentations by internationally renowned conductors and band historians, concerts by brass bands, including virtuosi solo performances.
Pre-registration, $50 per person; call 800-755-0076 for details.

New Event! Luncheon Concert noon Old Fort Harrod, Harrodsburg. Enjoy a picnic, tour the Old Fort Harrod grounds and enjoy a performance by the United States Army Brass Quintet. Free.

Great American Balloon Race 5:30 p.m. - Gates open, Stuart Powell Field 7:30 pm - Official balloon lift-off to target
Take a picnic basket and look to the sky. Both parking and admission are free. NOTE: In case of rain, the race will be rescheduled for Sunday evening.

Free Evening Band Performances noon-12:50 p.m. Ford Harrod; 8-9:50 p.m. - Weisiger Park Bandstand, downtown Danville; 5:30-7 p.m. at the Balloon Race; 6:30-8:20 p.m. - Beaumont Inn, Harrodsburg; 7:30-8:20 p.m. O'Charley's in Danville. Bring a lawn chair for an outdoor concert with historic buildings as the backdrop.

Saturday, June 14

Great American Pancake Breakfast 7 a.m. - Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church across from Constitution Square, $5 per person

Brass Master Class - 9-10:30 a.m. Weisiger Theatre, For students, musicians and those interested in music. Tickets: $10 for students, $20 for all others. Master Class featuring U.S. Army Brass Quintet.

Free Concerts All Day 9 a.m.-11 p.m. - beginning downtown
Music at downtown venues begins at 9 a.m. and continues all afternoon. For evening performances, bring your picnic basket or visit food vendors, relax, and enjoy top brass under the stars.

Main Street Parade 11 a.m. - leads to Main Stage, Centre College

Instrument Petting Zoo noon-2 p.m.; 4-6 p.m. Old Centre Front Porch. Bring your kids where they can see, touch and play the instruments used by the festival musicians. Free.

Great American Picnic 5 p.m. - concerts during picnic on the lawn Reserved picnic seating for eight, $150 nonrefundable donation; For table or more information call 859-236-7000.

Sunday, June 15

Outdoor Worship Service 9:30 am - Main Stage, Centre College The Danville community and its churches come together to invite all our guests for an ecumenical worship service, accompanied by inspirational brass band music.

Free Encore Performances 11 a.m. -5 p.m. - Main Stage, Centre College

Instrument Petting Zoo 1-3 p.m. Old Centre Front Porch. Bring your kids where they can see, touch and play the instruments used by the festival musicians. Free.

Other events

Gallery Hop Stops 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, June 13
Storefronts and galleries along or near Main Street will host local artists with exhibits of their latest work. The artist whose work is featured on the festival's '08 commemorative poster will be at the Community Arts Center to sign limited edition posters.

Run for the Brass Saturday, June 14, 8 a.m.
Join fitness-minded citizens at Millennium Park for a 5K race to benefit the Boyle County Library. Race day fee, $15. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Race start at 8:05 a.m.

If you have any festival photos, video clips or anything GABBF related that you would like to contribute to this site, send e-mail to gabbf@amnews.com.