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First stop was a Senior's Home where we were made most welcome. Our early arrival provided the opportunity for our daily devotions before the start of the main band programme which was predominantly light-hearted music. The bass section tend to be a rather noisy lot anyway, but at one point there was an unusually high level of hilarity. It transpired that Melvyn Owen's glasses had slipped of and fallen down the bell of his BBb bass!
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A group of eight went to play at a local hardware store, Millers, whilst the rest of us enjoyed some free time. For many, this was spent at a local Internet cafe catching up on e-mail correspondence and enjoying real coffee - something the Mid-west is generally missing out on. Where's Starbuck's when you need one? There is a massive marketing opportunity here for someone! That said, the proprietors of the Internet cafe displayed the same incredibly high level of friendliness and hospitality that we have enjoyed since arriving in Des Moines and may be able to capitalise on the lack of big-named coffee houses.
Late afternoon saw the entire band gathering at (no, in) the home of Jeanne Lillig. It was Jeanne who initiated the tour, and what an incredible lady she is. Jeanne heard the band play at a convention in Birmingham 2 years ago and was led by God to invite the band to America to attend the 2003 Women's Christian Temperance Union convention. It was a pure act of faith, but one that has paid tremendous dividends. Jeanne provided each bandsman with a printed copy of her story, titled Whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. This is the creed by which she lives, and from which many of us could learn and benefit.
Jeanne's home is virtually a shrine to the WCTU as can be seen from the photos. Here we were provided with what seemed like an unlimited amount of BBQ'd food supported by endless salad, potatoes, sweets, etc. It was a wonderful meal served in a unique environment.
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Prior to the meal being served, the general buzz of conversation was disturbed as a member of the local constabulary arrived enquiring whether a certain Major Victor Kennedy was in the house. The look on the Major's face really had to be seen to be believed. Having admitted to being present, he was 'charged' with deception and promptly handcuffed awaiting transfer to the local 'nick'. Now this story needs a bit of explaining!! In a couple of open-air services the Major had been using a £1million cheque as an incentive to onlookers. However, once they had volunteered to accept the £1million cheque and accepted certain conditions, he pointed out that the cheque had actually expired - being dated 1903!!
The 'arrest' was a set-up by the Bandmaster and a few other bandsmen who had enlisted the support of the local Sheriff, Jeffrey, who carried off the whole scenario with an appropriate mix of seriousness and good humour.
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From Jeanne's house we were driven to Colby Park for an evening open-air festival. As we dropped down the hill into the park a wonderful site presented itself to us - there were hundreds of people arriving by car, many carrying their own chairs over to the bandstand. This turned out to be the best attended event of the tour (so far at least). It was a beautiful evening in beautiful surroundings. The assembled crowd were able to enjoy popcorn, soft drinks and ice cream served up by the local fire service from the stalls adjacent to the 'concert' area.
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They were a very appreciative audience: Paul Sharman received rapturous applause after every variation of his solo Glorious Fountain, and the band enjoyed more than one standing ovation. Not to be outdone, Martyn Pearce decided he needed a slice of the action and 'busked' his way through (or should I say 'mimed' his way through?) Paul's solo spot in Swingtime Religion. Good try Martyn. Also shown is the guest appearance of the Des Moines Community Band Bandmaster playing a flugal horn solo.
We played into the evening until we couldn't see the music. In the darkness we packed everything away, reflecting on what had been an excellent concert.
To finish off the day we headed off to a Chinese restaurant where we enjoyed a sumptuous banquet. Much has been written about the food we have enjoyed over here, but today has been a real treat. And yes, that IS a full dinner plate full of ice cream and assorted toppings to be consumed by ONE bandsman. Well done Daniel - was it as good on the way up, as it was on the way down?!
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The spirit within the band has been of the highest quality throughout our tour in Des Moines, and we trust this will continue as we continue with our busy schedule.
Words: David McKee
Photos: Gordon McKee
