Conductor Mercer Crook leads the audience in "The Star Spangled Banner" to kick off the concert.
GAINESVILLE - In the kickoff to the Independence Day holiday weekend in Gainesville, hundreds of people gathered on the lawn at Smithgall Arts Center for the Northwinds Symphonic Band's Annual Patriotic Pops Concert.<br />
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The band, which was founded by Ron Evans in 1984, paid tribute to its founder during Thursday night's concert; Evans died in February at the age of 73.<br />
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Soloists Michelle Martin and Hall County Sheriff's Deputy Johnathan Jackson were among those who performed during the hour and a half program. <br />
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The Arts Council, Inc. sponsored the event. <i>(See link to website below.)</i>
