History of Community Concert Bands in Lambton County

October 4, 2021 - Fall 2022

In partnership with Lambton Concert Band and funded by the Creative County Grant Program.

The exhibit explores the history of community concert bands across Lambton County. Nearly every community in Lambton County has been inspired to put a music group together. Alvinston, Inwood, Watford, Petrolia, Arkona, Thedford, Forest, Oil Springs, Walpole, and Sarnia all had concert bands. From early settlers who integrated military band experience into their civilian lives, to the modern day concert bands comprised of students and music lovers alike, this exhibit showcases the rich music history that has been woven into Lambton County's culture.

Located in the Sarnia Library Theatre lobby on the second floor of the Sarnia Library, 124 Christina Street S., Sarnia, Ontario.

The History of Community Concert Bands in Lambton County exhibit is free to view, and will be open during regular operating hours of the Sarnia Library. No appointment is necessary, but walk-in visitors will be accommodated as capacity limits allow.

See Operating Hours

Lambton Concert Band Digital Exhibit

This exhibit is accompanied by a digital exhibit that deeply explores the history and impact of community concert bands in Lambton County. This digital exhibit navigates through individual community bands, county bands and highschool bands alike.

Upcoming Concerts and Workshops

Relic Cover Band

A 5 piece, sixties and seventies cover band that plays classic rock, blues, and a healthy amount of new and old country. Relic formed about 10 years ago to play in a North Lambton Secondary School Rock and Blues Concert. The band wanted to show students what Blues really was and had so much fun that they decided to keep on going.

Brothers Wilde

Learn how country rock duo, Brothers Wilde, entered the music industry and how you can too! The workshop, hosted by members of the band, will be followed by an acoustic concert.

Lambton Concert Band

The Lambton Concert Band continues the tradition of concert band music making that has long been a part of the Lambton County community and will continue that tradition by launching the Rhythms of Lambton concert series. The band is comprised of members of the community who travel from various areas of the county to play.

Sarnia Legion Pipe Band

Made up of 25 members of all ages drawn from Sarnia and the surrounding area and performs at parades and events in Southwestern Ontario and Michigan. The band has been in existence since the 1950’s, relocating to Petrolia briefly before returning to Sarnia in 1996, and wears the City of Sarnia Tartan which is a recognized by the Scottish Register of Tartans. Some past members have gone on to acclaim internationally. In addition to performing at events, the band also offers free instruction to new and aspiring pipers and drummers of all ages.