Welcome to the official website of The Great American Brass Band Festival, a one-of-a-kind event committed to preserving brass band music through performance and education. The Festival seeks to showcase diversity in brass through a variety of genres, presentations and performances. In addition, the Festival is committed to bringing the best brass musicians in the world to its stage. Patrons enjoy performances, free of charge, in historic downtown Danville, Kentucky.
The festival works towards making an experience that is entertaining for all generations and musical experts. The festival also works to bring diversity to the musical selections and the events offered while staying true to the spirit of the festival. This event brings tens of thousands of people together to enjoy a beautiful weekend of music, family and fun.
2012 Theme: The Great American Brass Band Festival, June 7—10, 2012 celebrates and salutes one of America’s most renowned performers, Vincent DiMartino, co-founder of the GABBF, on the occasion of his retirement at Centre College. Subtitled TRUMPETISSIMO in honor of this virtuoso on the cornet and trumpet, the GABBF will draw some of the world’s finest trumpeters, including Doc Severinsen, Allen Vizzutti, Jens Lindemann, and an amazing array of other outstanding soloists.
PLAY AT THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL: CALLING ALL FRIENDS AND STUDENTS OF VINCE DIMARTINO…COME PLAY A COUPLE OF NUMBERS IN THE TRUMPET CHOIR. EMAIL US FOR DETAILS!
- Performer Information
- Learn about the performers.
- Food Vendor Information
- Become a GABBF food vendor.
Newsflash
CALLING FORMER STUDENTS, TRUMPET COLLEAGUES, and FRIENDS of VINCENT DIMARTINO
Join a Grand Festival Trumpet Choir at the GABBF 2012—TRUMPETISSIMO!
Deadline for Signing Up: May 21, 2012
Schedule (Note: You must be present at the rehearsal in order to perform)
June 9, Saturday Morning Rehearsal: 9:00—10:30 am; Projected location—Rm 113 Centre College Music Department
June 9: Saturday Evening Performance during 8:00 concert slot (with Stiletto Brass and Federal Brass Instrumentalists); Dress—nice casual!
Sunday Grand Finale in Newlin Hall: 4—5 pm (Rehearsal at 3:00 with Massed Bands); Dress—nice casual!
Please contact niki.kinkade@gabbf.org with your email and phone information if you wish to perform.
As possible, some music will be supplied in advance via email. For further details or specific musical questions, contact: ronald.holz@asbury.edu
The Events The premier events for 2012. For more, view the schedule and map of the event venues.
Bayou & Brass
Friday, June 8th, 2012
Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler, Let the Good Times Roll here in downtown Danville. Enjoy this first ever New Orleans style street party with live music, food, drinks, street performers, contests and more. Free Event
Learn MoreBrass Symposium
Friday, June 8th, 2012
As we salute Vince DiMartino in Trumpetissimo, our Band History Conference changes into a Brass Symposium focused, naturally, on the cornet and trumpet. Outstanding performers and scholars will provide a highly entertaining and informative day, with music ranging from the natural trumpet of the Baroque era to the Golden Age of the cornet soloist to the modern era of virtuosic trumpet repertoire and performance.
Learn MorePicnic and Concert
Saturday, June 9th, 2012
The Great American Picnic is the highlight of the Great American Brass Band Festival. Picnic table patrons decorate their tables in elaborate and colorful themes, while many fans bring lawn chairs and settle in for an evening of brass music under the stars.
Learn MoreParade
Saturday, June 9th, 2012
The official kick off to a weekend of free concerts, the parade marches down Main Street Danville with bands, vintage cars, clowns, and local personalities.
Learn More
