Music at McClellan 2008 opener draws bigger crowd
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Part picnic and part open bar, Music at McClellan ignited its fifth season with a crowd-pleasing patriotic spectacle.
An estimated 1,000 people gathered in the shade of trees and at the feet of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. It was an increase of 300 from last year's opening, show organizers said. Pete Conroy, a member of the Joint Powers Authority redeveloping McClellan and chairman of the event committee, said high fuel prices may have kept people off the roads and on McClellan's lawn this Memorial Day weekend. As the Orchestra opened with "The Star Spangled Banner," everyone rose from their foldable lawn chairs and sang. Melissa Burton, who lives north of Jacksonville, decided to come to Music at McClellan for the first time this year. She said she enjoyed the friends, fellowship — and, of course, drinking wine. Carol Lorenzo of Saks had her share of that and a bottle of Jack Daniels as the centerpiece for her table. She introduced visiting relatives from California to the event. "Looking forward to Abba," she said, referencing the "Abba: The Hits" show planned for later in the season. David Walters and his wife, Jeannie, came to the show dressed in flag-patterned shirts. Walters was the Jacksonville State University band director for 30 years; his favorite is the last show, "Classics Under the Stars." "I think it's good for the public," he said of the series. Albert Tatton, a transplant to Anniston from Boston, said he went to every show last year. "It's good entertainment and a good night out," he said, holding a glass of cabernet. Anniston resident and Music at McClellan committee member Tom Potts said he likes the show "just to have a chance to come out under the stars." "It's a nice way to start the summer," Potts said as the Orchestra began its second number. |
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