The Nevers' Band has been around since 1861, but its beat remains fresh.
As the band performed in Eagle Square last week, an appreciative crowd saw firsthand why the organization has stood the test of time.
In addition to its traditional patriotic tunes, the band's performance included symphonic scores from “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and “Harry Potter,” among others. The popular songs prove that for the 149-year-old band, age is just a number.
Speaking of age, the band's members span a surprising wide range. At 12 years old, flute-player Sarah Beattie of Goffstown is the Nevers' Band's youngest musician. The group's oldest member, Robert Rainie of Concord, still blows his horn at age 90. Some people, he said, wonder when he will call it a day.
“The days are passing by and this might be my last performance,” Rainie joked. “I'll be coming back as long as I can play.”
Until last week's show, some, including Nancy Haigh, 74, of Bow, had never seen the patriotic band perform, “I enjoy it very much,” she recalled. “I enjoy the old-time music and there's a lot of emotion here.”
For others, the music brings back memories from the good old days.
“I remember my mother singing these songs,” said Concord native Kit DeVries, 74. “I just love music, and I love the ages (in the band), too.”
Want to check it out? The Nevers' Band is scheduled to play Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. in Rollins Park; Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. at the community bandstand in Bow; and Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. at the State House plaza. For the Concord performances, the rain location is South Congregational Church, 27 Pleasant St.
