Legacy Theater offering two free shows in July for bagpipers, flag dancers

CARTHAGE, Ill. — The Nauvoo Pageant Bagpipe Band and Dancers will be joined on stage by the Nauvoo Brass Band at The Legacy Theater in Carthage at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 5. Then as part of the Blue Lake International Exchange Program, the Symbolica Flag Dancers from Genk, Belgium, will present a performance at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, that combines lively music and contemporary dance with flags.

No tickets are required for the general admission seating of both of these shows. Free will donations will be accepted.

The Nauvoo Pageant Bagpipe Band is a significant part of the annual summer pageants held in Nauvoo. Each night, before the alternating Nauvoo and British Pageants, the pipers draw visitors to pre-pageant historic vignettes and country fair activities. The band is made up of young and old volunteers, including some family groups from around the country, providing their own pipes and kilts. During the performance, the history and the nature of bagpipe music and dance is explained.

Originally called Joseph’s City Band, the Nauvoo Brass Band was formed in 1842 to accompany the public drills of the Nauvoo Legion, as well as performing in public concerts and special events.

The Brass Band was re-created in 2003 at the Nauvoo mission. These missionaries play in Nauvoo throughout the summer for local residents and those who visit Nauvoo. They perform daily on a horse-drawn band wagon on the streets of Nauvoo and at concerts throughout the day.

Symbolica brings a program of flag dance, where moving flags come together with robust, rhythmical music. It consists of 50 boys between the ages of 11-18. These students will be hosted by local families during their three-day visit to perform at The Legacy Theater.

Tickets for upcoming shows are available at The Legacy Theater box office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Stop in, call the office at 217-357-9479, or see information at www.thelegacytheater.com.