Park Concerts

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History

The Paul stroud Concert Series is named in honor of Mr. Paul Stroud, who developed this free music program.  In 1938, Mr. Stroud joined the Riverbend High School's first band.  He started out playing trumpet, switched to baritone horn and ended up with the tenor saxophone.  Except for more than two years in the Navy during World War II, Mr. Stroud was always playing music.  His first experience playing dance music came in high school when he played in Raymond Baker's orchestra.  He fell in love with Big Band music and jazz.  After participating in a free concert series in Huntsville, Alabama, Mr. Stroud organized a similar program for the City of Decatur known as Decatur's Concerts by the River in 1980.  Mr. Stroud helped organize the Sophisticated Swingers, a Big Band and swing ensemble and he also played with the Charlie Lyle Combo and Orchestra in Huntsville.