US Grant in living history

10/12/2026

For a few days next month I will be focused on this event, leading the combined "Marine" bands in this reenactment event, here in Gettysburg.
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Music played an important role in President Abraham Lincoln's visit to Gettysburg in November 1863. Four bands participated in the November 19 dedication ceremony: the United States Marine Band from Washington, D.C.; the 2nd United States Artillery Band from Fort McHenry in Baltimore; the 5th New York Heavy Artillery Band from Fort Marshall in Baltimore; and Philadelphia's Birgfeld Band. The ceremony also featured the 12-member National Union Musical Association of Baltimore - also known as the Baltimore Glee Club or the Maryland Musical Association - and singers from several church choirs. These groups performed during the dedication and entertained visitors in Gettysburg's town square the previous evening.

For Lincoln at Gettysburg: Shall Not Perish, two brass bands will recreate the United States Marine Band and the 2nd United States Artillery Band, performing music heard during Lincoln's two-day visit on original mid-19th-century instruments. Dressed in the Marine Band's scarlet coats and shakos and the artillery jackets of the 2nd United States Artillery Band, the musicians will perform spirited songs such as "The Battle Cry of Freedom" and "We Are Coming, Father Abraham," as well as the somber "Dead March in Saul," heard during the procession from the town square to the Soldiers' National Cemetery. The ensembles include members of the 1859 Marine Band of the Frontier Band of Texas, the Antebellum Marine Band of Gettysburg, the Fort Delaware Band of New Jersey, and the Excelsior Brass Band of Syracuse, New York. The Gettysburg Choral Society will provide the choral music. Music and brass historian Jari Villanueva will direct the musical portion of the 2-day event and present "The Power of Music: Abraham Lincoln and the Music Heard at Gettysburg" on Tuesday, November 17, at noon.

09/10/2026

I am in the once vital RR town of Renovo, an engine repair shop, car shop, coal and water stop, and so much more for the Pennsylvania RR in the era of steam.

This part of the state is called The Wild. About half hour from Lockhaven on PA-120. It's near Kettle Creek state park and Alvin R Bush dam. "Rosebriar inn on kettle creek.".

My host found somebody to sponsor my stay, and I am in the "Angler Room", because the "Railroad Room" isn't ready yet.

They like this because they tell me President Grant once came through here on a fishing trip. When he came through with General Kane in 1869, he fished in Elk County, Pennsylvania, particularly along the East Branch of the Clarion River between the towns of Johnsonburg and Wilcox near the Tambine Bridge.

Elk county is not far, and I spoke at a library there back in May.

09/10/2026

Pictures will be posted as they come from the Huntington Beach event, but for the moment, I must prep for the trip to The Greater Renovo Area Heritage Park today!

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09/10/2026

HOME, no place like it.
The annual trek to Huntington Beach is completed and all is well.
Today I head north to Renovo for three days. A school talk tomorrow, and two days in town to honor their local veterans with the unveiling of hero banners.
Props and a shout out to our Local Enterprise rental agency. The Jeep provided was exactly what I needed. I have to say, if you drive long distance and like music, GET SIRIUS radio. Between the Beatles channel, the 80's channel and the special addition of the Billy Joel channel, having the right tunes made the 37 hours in the seat VERY tolerable!
The manager understands my needs for what I do and has twice been a fantastic manager of making sure I get to the fight with all that I need.
I will see them again I am sure.

09/01/2026

The loading is done, and there is still space for my baggage and some food for the first few days.
I plan to roll at 730am, down US 15S to I-70 W to I-81S into VA and on to I-40 W for most of the next three days.
I must say that the manager at our Gettysburg Enterprise takes good care of me on these trips. I've had a Jeep Wrangler for the last few years now, and by far it's best suited to my freight needs, and the best part, it's a Jeep!

08/30/2026

My annual road trip back to So Cal begins on Tuesday after loading up the rental from Enterprise with camp gear, uniforms and ten day's supply of Orange-Orange Vitamin water.
The fundraising campaign was successful to provide for all my needs on the round trip journey once again, and the two days of living history story telling for Huntington Beach Civil War Days will be quite engaging.