The Post 6 Big Band had been based at American Legion Post 6 in Macomb – it’s even in the band’s name.
But the group had to find a new home because of music licensing issues.
John Cooper, the band’s director and a member of the band’s board, said there’s a federal exemption that allows veterans’ organizations to play music without paying licensing fees as long as the club is not open to the public for anything.
He said a music licensing company contacted the post about its monthly breakfast that is open to the public. The company told the post it would have to pay the music fees, which would have cost between $4,000 and $4,500.
“The American Legion and all the service organizations run so close to the margin that it just is not sustainable for them,” Cooper said. “So, the appropriate committees at the American Legion made the decision to not pursue licensing.”
Cooper said while the Legion’s leaders considered the issue, he reached out to other venues in town about the big band and his other group, The Lamoine River Ramblers, which plays traditional jazz music. And now they have new homes in downtown Macomb:
- Post 6 Big Band will perform at Park Place, 127 E. Carroll St., from 7 – 9 p.m. on the final Wednesday of each month.
- The Lamoine River Ramblers will perform at The Wine Sellers, 121 S. Randolph St., from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month, including this coming Monday, Oct. 6.
Admission is free for performances by both ensembles, though they accept free-will donations.
Cooper said there is nothing like hearing a big band live.
“Music is so available to us now through the internet and the different ways that we can get music. But it’s not the same. It’s not the same as actually being in the room and watching people make that music for you,” Cooper said.
He’s happy audiences can continue enjoying the bands, and he's also happy for the musicians in the bands who enjoy playing for audiences.
Cooper feels the bands have accomplished three goals:
- Provide a performance experience for musicians in town.
- Provide these styles of music to the community. “People really responded so well to the big band,” Cooper said.
- Support the American Legion. “Being a service organization, to have one night where they could put a little bit of money back in the till, help them sustain the club,” Cooper said.
He said he has “a huge soft spot in my heart” for the American Legion, where he has also played for many honor guard funerals.
Cooper said it’s difficult to leave the American Legion, but he is looking forward to performing at the new venues. He thanked the American Legion for believing in the bands and helping them get started.
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