Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

John Philip Sousa, the nation’s undisputed “band king,” brought his massed band to Natatorium Park in Spokane and played two shows in front of 10,000 people.

According to the music critic of The Spokesman-Review, Sousa and his band lived up to their reputation.

“Under such a leader and with such practiced bandsmen, the ensembles left nothing to be desired,” the critic wrote. “In spite of the large aggregation, which gave a sense of brilliance and solidity in the forte passages, there was nothing forced or unduly blatant. In fact, the restraint and beautiful balance of the pianos spoke of a proper artistic sentiment.”

The program included a number of Sousa’s own compositions. However, it also included Wagner’s Overture to “Tannhauser” and works by Berlioz and Saint-Saens. 

From the convention beat: More than 1,500 Eagles already had alighted in Spokane. However, this was just the advance guard of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, who were gathering for their national convention. The number of Eagles in town was expected to double over the next 24 hours.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1990: Iraq invaded Kuwait, seizing control of the oil-rich emirate. (The Iraqis were later driven out in Operation Desert Storm.)