The Fresno State Opera Workshop and Symphonic Band’s “Turn Back the Clock: Fresno, 1908” will re-create a band concert and theatrical revue that might have been staged a century ago when the Barton Opera House was Fresno’s cultural center.

The time-traveling concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 5, in the Music Building Concert Hall at California State University, Fresno.

The Symphonic Band will borrow from the performing style of the John Philip Sousa band, with uniforms, guest soloists, ragtime pieces and plenty of marches. After intermission, the Opera Workshop will present from operettas and songs from the turn of the century. Performances will include a barbershop quartet and a grand patriotic finale.

Special guests for the concert will be the Reedley High School Muskrat Ramblers, a traditional jazz band, performing at 7 p.m. and during intermission.

To help evoke the period, concert-goers will be able to cast their vote for 1908 presidential candidates William Howard Taft or William Jennings Bryan and catch up on the big news of the day, including Henry Ford’s introduction of the Model T. Audience members are encouraged to dress in their early 1900s best.

Admission is $6, general; $5, students, staff and seniors.

For additional information and tickets, visit  or call 559.278.5829

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Department of Music at Fresno State