Town & Gown community band presents free summer concerts
By Jennifer Robertson | May 28, 2026
MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� The Murray State University Town & Gown Community Band will present two free concerts
this summer.
The first concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2 at the Rotary Amphitheater
located in Central Park on Gil Hopson Drive in Murray as part of the Rotary Amphitheater
Summer Concert Series. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held
in Lovett Auditorium located on Murray State鈥檚 campus.
The second summer concert will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 inside Lovett
Auditorium. The Town & Gown Community Chorale will join the Community Band for the
July 4 concert.
For the June 2 concert, the Town & Gown Community Band, which is made up of about
80 members from both Murray State and the community, will be conducted by Dr. Ashley
Shoupe, Murray State assistant director of bands. Guests at the June 2 concert will
enjoy a dynamic, engaging and family-friendly program.
The Murray Bank Ice Cream Machine will be in Central Park from 7-7:30 p.m., offering
a sweet treat to kick off the evening. The public is welcome to bring lawn chairs
and blankets to the amphitheater.
For the July 4th Freedom Fest Concert, Dr. Bradley Almquist, Murray State professor
of music, will conduct the Community Chorale, and Dr. Ashley Shoupe will again conduct
the Community Band. Audience members can relax in the air-conditioned comfort of Lovett
Auditorium as they enjoy an evening of music celebrating community, tradition and
the spirit of America as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary.
鈥淭here is something timeless about gathering as a community to enjoy music during
the summer, and this year鈥檚 concerts feel especially meaningful as America prepares
to celebrate its 250th anniversary,鈥� said Jennifer Robertson, coordinator of the Town
& Gown Community Partnership program. 鈥淭he Town & Gown Community Band and Chorale
concerts have long been part of the heartbeat of our community, bringing together
families, friends, alumni and neighbors through music and shared tradition. We are
excited to welcome everyone back for two evenings that celebrate community spirit,
connection and the joy of summer. These concerts would not be possible without the
support of so many dedicated individuals and organizations, and we invite everyone
to join us for a memorable season of music, fellowship and celebration.鈥�
Both concerts are free, and the public is cordially invited to attend.
The Town & Gown Partnership is an ongoing collaboration between Murray State University
and the surrounding community that aims to enhance the quality of living and learning
for everyone in the community. Town & Gown Partners include leaders from Murray State
University administration and student government, local and state government, industry,
small business, banking, health care providers and other community organizations.
Membership fees help fund community projects and events such as these summer concerts.
For more information about joining Murray State鈥檚 Town & Gown program, please contact
Jennifer Robertson at 270-809-3924 or jrobertson38@murraystate.edu or visit .