BETHEL – The Mahoosuc Community Band will holds its summer concert at 7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 14, at West Parish Congregational Church.

This concert features several new songs: “Runaway Baby” by Bruno Mars featuring the percussion section, “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison, “In the Shining of the Stars” by Robert Sheldon, and “The Star Spangled Banner, A Love Song to Our Country” by John Stafford Smith.

Old favorites include “Cool Blues for Trombones” by James Ployhar, “Born Free” by John Barry, “Hawaii Five-O Theme” by Mort Stevens, “El Relicario” by Jose Padilla, and “Basin Street Blues” by Spencer Williams.

Initially called Mahoosuc Music Makers, the band began in 1994 when Ellen Whitney and Rhonda Buker noticed the lack of a local band in the area for Memorial Day activities. Telstar Regional High School had dropped its music program due to budget cuts.

A group of about 12 started meeting in June of ’94 intent on participating in the Mollyockett Day parade that same year. Twenty-three years later, under the direction of Patricia Boyle-Wight, the band is going strong, staging concerts and playing at Memorial Day events in Bethel, Bryant Pond and Greenwood, Veteran’s Day in Greenwood and Mollyockett Day.

Donations are accepted at the door to help to cover costs of new music and the director. Refreshments will be served following the concert.