New Buffalo Library to consider music at the House of David in Community Forum

The New Buffalo Library will present a program about music at the Israelite House of David at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 1.

In the early 20th century, the musicians of the Benton Harbor religious commune entertained the American public and, along with their storied exhibition baseball team, helped publicize their group with music. In addition to being a mode of religious expression, music at the House of David was a serious commercial enterprise.

All but forgotten today, the colony was once synonymous with music, and for more than 50 years its well- known professional bands (orchestras, marching bands, choral groups, string bands, jazz ensembles and swing-era big bands) entertained visitors at its amusement park in Michigan and played to packed audiences in concert halls and Vaudeville theaters across North America.

Brian D. Carroll, PhD, historian and archivist for the Israelite House of David, is the guest speaker, and all are welcome to attend this free event. The New Buffalo Township Library is located at 33 N. Thompson Street in downtown New Buffalo. The Community Forum series is sponsored by the Friends of the New Buffalo Library. — STAFF REPORTS