AUBURN, ME (December 1, 2022) – The Auburn Community Concert Band, under the direction of Milt Simon, will present its customary holiday concert on Wednesday, December 14 at the Gendron Franco Center in Lewiston. The free, 75-minute performance will begin at 7:00 p.m. The band’s holiday concerts were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

This season’s 38-member concert band is comprised of volunteer musicians from 14 central Maine communities, who range in age from teens to 80’s. The group will perform both traditional and contemporary songs celebrating the Christmas and Hanukah holiday seasons. The concert will conclude with an audience sing-along.

Continuing a tradition which began over four decades ago, those attending the concert will have the opportunity to make a donation to the local branch of the Salvation Army. All money collected in the Army’s red kettles that evening will be used to help Central Maine residents in need of assistance this winter. Majors David Irwin and Jessica Irwin are expected to attend the concert and address the community’s urgent need.

Small’s Greenhouse in Auburn is providing poinsettias to decorate the Franco Center’s stage. Immediately following the evening’s performance, attendees will be able to purchase these plants with all proceeds going to the Salvation Army.

The Gendron Franco Center takes its residence inside a city landmark, the former St. Mary’s Church, located at 46 Cedar Street in Lewiston. Ample free parking is available in the Oxford Street lot, located across the street from the Franco Center’s side entrance.

For more information regarding this concert, call the Gendron Franco Center at 783-1585. To check on any last-minute changes or updates, visit the band’s web site at www.auburncommunityband.com