Fall Creek was serenaded by its musical namesake in this lively autumn concert
The band’s dynamic charm attracted listeners into an ever tightening circle
This past September, as Ithaca’s porch fest drew to a close, I geared up for one last performance. I had arrived early at Thompson Park in high anticipation for what was sure to be the best act of the day: the Fall Creek Brass Band. I had seen them once before as a part of Ithaca’s summer concert series and had been itching to experience them again. Elated to get the chance, I watched as all fifteen members of the group set up their instruments and warmed up. In the background, I could hear another porch fest performer finishing up their set at the park’s neighboring cafe, Gimme Coffee. This other band was Microbes Mostly, a student punk group from Cornell, a very different sound from the jazzy melodies of the local Brass Band. That’s part of what I love so much about porch fest, it’s a day that celebrates all music and gives everyone a stage (or a porch). As I had wandered around earlier that day I had seen an angelic harp performance, an electric rock group, and even a medieval sounding recorder trio.
But none of them could compare to what I was about to hear. One of the members of the band picked up a megaphone in front of him and shouted out their introduction to the crowd. He raved about porch fest and how it was one of their favorite gigs to play, and wrapped it up by asking, “are you guys ready to dance?” The crowd cheered as they broke into their first song, a light, animated piece played largely in unison, with the occasional solo. During certain accented and drawn out notes, the entire band would bend down together as they played it, adding a visual aspect to the performance. Though even without their choreographed synchronicity the Fall Creek Brass Band is certainly a sight to see. Their spectacular monogrammed emerald sousaphones and the sheer size of the ensemble are enough to captivate anyone’s attention.
The crowd began to sway and shuffle its feet, immediately energized by the passionate rhythms and spirited performance of the band. By the start of the second song, dancers had begun to move into the empty ring of space directly in front of the band, twirling their partners or grooving to a beat of their own. A group of children watched from the branches of a neighboring tree. The once sparse audience still on the ground was now packed and full of life. Despite being under the weather, I couldn’t help but move to the music.
Not every number was a fast tempoed track with quick licks. “High Fructose Horn Syrup” had a thick texture upheld by sustained low notes from the sousaphones. The almost gluttonously rich rhythm was passed from the baritone saxophone to the trombones until everyone had dropped out except the percussion section and a trumpet soloist. His instrumpet shouted, climbing into a higher register that soared sweetly past my ears and into my soul.
After showcasing their masterfully hypnotic tones, the band brought in a more playful tune titled “Don’t Step In the Hole.” In this fun piece, they give themselves a comical challenge in the chorus, extending the rest by one additional beat before the last note is played each time it comes back around. By the end of the song, they have to count out seven beats of rest in their heads to ensure that they “don’t step in the hole” by coming back in too soon. Audience members can take part in this game by pausing their dancing during these charged moments of silence, attempting to hold off their next move until the band comes back in, wailing in unison. Towards the end of their set, the Brass Band put aside their jazz covers and originals for some pop classics. The crowd sang along as the band put their spin on the Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody,” Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” and Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi.” The songs’ familiarity reinvigorated its listeners, especially those of younger generations.
The band ended their performance with a snappy jazz piece that had everyone nodding their heads and moving their feet. The trumpets, trombones, and saxophones came together for crisp licks backed by a syncopated drum beat on the cymbals. Halfway through the song, the members of the band dispersed into the audience, immersing themselves in their cheering fans. This act not only unified the ensemble with the crowd but also gave each listener a unique experience. I got to focus on and appreciate the player nearest myself, a saxophonist with a shiny sound. His polished melodies sounded like a solo to me due to his proximity. The band gathered back together for the end of the tune, reuniting in time to play their all for the final notes. The crowd erupted into applause, signaling both the end of the set, as well as of porch fest. I left on a high that only comes from exceptional live music.
If you’re looking to hear the Fall Creek Brass Band play, you can find them October 28th at The Range. Dress up in your Halloween costume and experience the expressive magic of this local favorite for yourself.