President Lincon Requests 'Dixie' Played at Civil War Reenactment in Keokuk, Iowa

 

President Lincoln's favorite song was "Dixie." At the 28th annual and final Civil War reenactment in Keokuk, Iowa on April 26, 2015, the president requested the song and clapped along. Abe Lincoln is actor Max Daniels of Wheaton, Illinois who has played the 16th president for several years and is well known in the Midwest. His website is here.

The band was made up of Union and Confederate players who proudly played the last song following the final reenactment of Civil War battles staged in Keokuk.

El Kahir Band Plays Maifest 2014

Musicians from the El Kahir Shrine play to the parade crowd gathered for Maifest earlier this month in Amana, Iowa. Annually the Shriners parade clowns, small cars, and a special float supporting a small army of red jacketed members.  

While not sporting a snappy fez, these band members provided a tight sound as if they have been playing together for a long time.

Clear Creek Amana Marching Band - Eyes Wide Open at Maifest

At Maifest 2014, the Clear Creek Amana Marching Band paraded the entire length (and back) of main Amana. Many locals have commented that the band's presence at the annual parade is a highlight and validates the occasion. The marchers may be small in number, but they certainly liven up the parade route with Sousa music. What else would you expect from the heartland of America?