While an impressive lineup of musicians will take the stage at Israel in the Gardens, one musical act in particular will keep festivalgoers tapping their toes.
The U.C. Berkeley Marching Band, one of the oldest college marching bands on the West Coast (it began in 1891) will be on hand to provide the fanfare for Hadassah’s centennial celebration, leading members of the women’s organization from throughout the Bay Area in a procession around the perimeter of Yerba Buena Gardens.
“We love participating in events that expose us to different communities,” said Colin Kealey, the band’s student director (and a trumpet player). Cal’s marching band played at the opening ceremony of Berkeley’s Magnes museum in January of this year, and Israel Center Director Michal Kohane approached the musicians afterward to ask if they’d be interested in joining Israel in the Gardens.
Kealey said they didn’t have to think twice. “We’re always open to this sort of thing,” he added. “It’s fun.”
While the full band includes more than 200 musicians, roughly 30 will be taking part in the June 10 performance, according to Kealey. The band will also be included in the event’s main ceremony, said organizers, playing both “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Hatikvah.” — emma silvers