Marty's Goldenaires celebrates 72 years with picnic

By ZACHARY MARANO

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Bessemer - Music resounded from Bluff Valley Park in Bessemer throughout the day on Saturday as folks gathered for Marty's Goldenaires annual Town Picnic, with live music from the drum and bugle corps and other local musicians under the park pavilion.

The picnic was a celebration of Marty's 72nd anniversary. The corps was first established by senior members of American Legion Post 27 in Bessemer in 1950 but has since expanded to include members as young as 16 years old. The town picnic has been annual event in Bessemer since 1980.

The Goldenaires played musical selections from their 2022 season, which started in May and ends Labor Day weekend. Their music included swing, rock and patriotic styles.

There was plenty of food and refreshment at the picnic. People sat at picnic tables in the pavilion, under two large tents and around the park.

There was lots of music before and after Marty's early evening performance. Local accordion player Jim Favero was first up, followed by Marty's director and drum major Dan Pitrone performing as a solo artist singing and playing his.

Shirts and Skins, a touring band with members from the Minneapolis area, made their first appearance at the annual picnic later in the evening with an eclectic mix of classic rock, metal and country music.

Marty's sold lots of food and refreshment, as well as raffle tickets to cover the cost of maintaining their instruments, uniforms and other supplies. There was also a variety of raffles through the day.

While the Goldenaires and other musicians performed, children occupied themselves by playing a variety of games.