GALION, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The First United Church of Christ, located at 248 Harding Way West, Galion, is teaming up with the Shawshank Big Band to host community benefit concerts on the final Sunday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Music enthusiasts are encouraged to join and enjoy the performances.

Each concert is based on a free-will donation, with half the proceeds going towards a Galion area charity and the other half to the band. The upcoming concert on Sunday, October 27, will benefit the Crawford County Community Action Back Pack Program. This program supports Galion City School children from kindergarten through 12th grade by providing bags of food for the weekends during the school year. Due to reduced funding, the program now has a waiting list of over 40 students, making community support more crucial than ever. Last school year, the program provided 105 packs, but the need has since increased, said Tammy Crabtree, OHCAC Crawford County Director.

The First United Church of Christ’s music ministry aims to support the needs of the Galion and surrounding area. “Our mission is to serve the community, and music is a key part of our church. It seemed right to use our facility for this concert series,” said Brian Treisch, a member of the church Consistory.

The Shawshank Big Band, part of the Mid-Ohio Jazz Orchestra, Inc., is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and commemorating big band music from the 1930s, ’40s, and early ’50s. The band is led by Damian Boyd, a noted area trombonist, band leader, and performer, and features talented musicians from across north-central Ohio, including members from Wooster, Galion, and suburban Columbus. This marks over a year of benefit concerts played by the band as part of the series.

Each concert lasts approximately 90 minutes and is free to attend, with opportunities to support through donations. Note, there will not be a concert in November or December.

For more information contact either the First UCC at office@uccgalion.org or Brian Treisch at treischbt@gmail.com.