“McKinley’s Own” Canton Grand Army Band Concert

Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with an authentic "living history" concert recreating a July 26, 1901 program performed on the lawn of President and Mrs. McKinley’s Canton home. Presented by America Musical Productions.

Family fun begins at 5:30pm, with the concert beginning promptly at 6:30pm. Kona Ice will be available for purchase. Limited seating will be available. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair.

Canton’s Grand Army Band under the direction of Emil Reinkendorff was known as “McKinley’s Own,” accompanying McKinley to the nominating conventions, his famous “front porch campaign”, both inaugurations, and eventually his funeral. American Musical Productions will transport audience back in time over a century to hear what was likely the final concert President McKinley heard in Canton before his fateful trip to the Pan-American Exposition. This concert pays long overdue tribute to Canton musical giant Emil Reinkendorff with three of his marches, including one dedicated to President McKinley, unheard in almost a century!

Joseph N. Rubin conducts a 23-piece concert band of Northern Ohio’s finest musicians attired in period uniforms. The FREE 75-minute show will feature many beloved band classics including “William Tell Overture,” “Gems of Stephen Foster,” “Narcissus,” patriotic selections, and of course, marches by John Philip Sousa .The concert will feature the premiere of march “Our Chief’s Call ”dedicated to President McKinley by Emil Reinkendorff, unheard for over a century!

One of the foremost authorities on historic American music, Joseph N. Rubin has restored, produced, and conducted “living history” concerts and musicals across the country. Mr. Rubin founded American Musical Productions, a Canton, Ohio based501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and performing historic American Musical Theatre and Popular Song 1890-1940.