After a summer of outreach, the Lee County Community Band prepares to open concert season under new conductor
After a rewarding summer of community outreach, the Lee County Community Band is preparing to open its 2026-2027 concert season under new conductor Kathy Lamb Williams.
The full 60-piece concert band will present six free Sunday performances at 3 p.m. at Mariner High School in Cape Coral from November through April.
The season builds on the success of the Little Lee County Band, the organization’s community-outreach ensemble. Launched in summer 2025, the Little Band gives musicians an opportunity to perform during the summer while bringing live musical entertainment primarily to independent- and assisted-living communities throughout the Cape Coral and Fort Myers area.
During its first season, the Little Band performed 28 concerts from mid-May through November 2025. Williams played a central role in selecting music, determining the instrumentation needed for each engagement, shaping programs around the available musicians, and offering audiences a wide variety of music. She conducted most of the inaugural season’s performances and has continued as a leading voice in the ensemble’s planning and execution.
In 2026, the LCCB Board expanded the outreach effort, establishing a regular summer season from the first Wednesday in May through the last Wednesday in September and adding other community appearances. Williams has directed an ensemble of approximately 30 musicians this summer, demonstrating the depth, flexibility, and enthusiasm the band will bring to its upcoming full season.
“What a rewarding summer, an awesome fall and an exciting full-band season ahead under Kathy’s leadership and direction,” said Dave Harlow of LCCB Outreach. “The band is excited to have Kathy Williams as our full-band conductor.”
Remaining Little Band Outreach Schedule
• Sept. 16, 3 to 4 p.m. — The Gallery at Cape Coral, 2219 Chiquita Blvd. S.
• Sept. 23, 3 to 4 p.m. — Cypress Cove
• Sept. 30, 3 to 4 p.m. — Calusa Harbor
• Nov. 11, 2 to 3:15 p.m. — Cypress Cove — Patriotic Celebration
• Nov. 9-13 — FGCU Service & Sacrifice: America 250 Military Commemoration Week
• LLCCB closing-ceremony performance details to be announced
Kathy Lamb Williams takes over The 6 Big Band Concert Series
Williams is an accomplished conductor, educator, and musician with more than four decades of experience in music education. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from West Chester University and taught band, orchestra, chorus, and general music, ultimately serving as a District Music Coordinator. A lifelong French horn player, she conducts the Lee County Community Band and performs with regional ensembles in Southwest Florida.
The 2026-2027 Full-Band Concert Season
• The American Journey: 1776-2026 — Nov. 8
• Peace, Joy and Celebration — Dec. 6
• Around the World — Jan. 10
• Hearts and Heroes — Feb. 7
• Green, Gold and Glory — March 14
• Earth, Wind and Water — April 11
All six full-band concerts begin at 3 p.m. at Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd. N., Cape Coral. Admission is free, although donations are welcome.
About the Lee County Community Band
Founded Nov. 21, 1885, the Lee County Community Band is one of America’s oldest surviving community bands. Its volunteer musicians share their time and talent to bring free, live concert-band music to Southwest Florida. For information, visit LeeCountyBand.org or email LeeCountyCommunityBand@gmail.com.