Mercer Community Band kicks off its 26th season of free concerts on the Mercer County Courthouse lawn Friday.

The band, which takes the stage at 7:30 p.m., will play Broadway hits with help from soprano Anne Hagan Bentz and clarinetist Richard Van Diefenderfer.

Ms. Bentz, assistant professor of voice at Westminster College, New Wilmington, has toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States. She received her doctorate in voice performance from the University of Maryland.

Diefenderfer, associated with Volkwein's Music, Pittsburgh, was concertmaster for 14 years with the U.S. Naval Academy Band. He earned his bachelor's in music and master's in clarinet degrees from Duquesne University.

Contemporary Christian band Throckmorton will warm up the crowd with a set at 6:30 p.m. Guitarist and vocalist Warren Throckmorton has scored a number of hits in the Christian blues, rock and pop charts on mp3.com

Mercer Area Girl Scouts will host an old-fashioned ice cream social at 6 p.m.

The band is directed by cofounder Dr. Hendley D. Hoge. Kenneth Jewell is assistant director and Heather McConnell, a Grove City College senior, is assistant student director.

Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. In case of bad weather, the bands will strike up in Mercer High School auditorium.

Future concerts:

   » Mercer Community Jazz Band will play big-band favorites June 27, and the Ellwood City Area Civic Chorale will open. Mercer Area Jaycees will host the ice cream social.

   » Mercer Community Band will be joined by soprano Elizabeth Malys and trumpeter William Pitman for a patriotic program July 3. Accordion player Johnny Oakes will go on first. Mercer Band Boosters host the ice cream social.

   » Mercer Community Band will hit the road for a concert at 6 p.m. July 6 at Buhl Farm park, Hermitage.

   » Red Coat Band of New Castle, directed by Dr. Thomas Zumpella, plays July 11, with warmup by Wildwood Express. Mercer Rotary Club hosts the ice cream social.

   » Mercer Community Band returns to the stage for a Victorian concert July 18. Baritone James Piccirilli and euphonium player John Hartman will be guests, with the Lawrence County Brass opening. Eastern Star Chapter 180 hosts the ice cream social.

   » Mercer Community Band celebrates Mercer's 200th anniversary July 25 with tenor Dr. Frank Cano and trumpeter Royce Hetrick. Miklas Music Ministry goes on first, and Friends of the Mercer Area Library hosts the ice cream social.

   » Youngstown Community Band crosses the border Aug. 1, with opener Joyful Noise. Children's Aid Society Auxiliary hosts the ice cream social.

   » The season ends Aug. 8 in traditional form with the Mercer County Jamboree playing bluegrass, folk and gospel. Brandy Springers host the ice cream social.

Information:

mercomband.com