The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1870-12-15
CitI.ens' Testimonial TO Thomas +.
Kirk

The grand concert rendered by the citi-
zens of Canton to Mr.. Thos. F. Kirk, the
popular and gentlemanly music teacher
and leader of the Grand Army Band, came
off at the Opera House on last Monday
evening, and as it should be, that coy
and cheerful place of amusement was
crowded to overlooking.
The concert was only what might have
been expected, from the well known tai
ent of those engaged. Our prosperous lit
tie city may Justly feel proud at having so
much rare musical talent amongst us.
Prof Babcock's splendid SILVER Band,
from our n~eighboring city of Akron, kind
ly volunteered their services, and were in
attendance, and discoursed some of their
finest selections in a style unsurpassed
This Band is composed Of gentlemanly
and whole souled fellows, and we hope to
see their smiling faces here often.
The evenings entertainment opened
with the Pot Pourre-"Spirit at the Cas-
tie" by Babcock's band, which was ad-
mirably rendered. The soprano solo
Waiting" by Miss Mary Huntington,
was received with marked applause. Prof.
V. F. Fistie then favored the audience
with one of his finest Piano Solos, entitled
Fantasia de Rigolette," which was grand
and needed only to be heard TO be appre-
cistcd. Then came Messrs. Underhill and
Williams in the humorous and side-split-
ting song Hans and Katrina" which was
received with rounds OF applause and fair
~ brought down the house. 7. +. Kinks
curnet solo-'Chant d'Amour." was done
as Kirk always does things in that line.
Miss Emma Geiger's humorous song
Flirting in the Twilight" was rendered
with her usual power, as the encores re-
ceived fully testified.
The Grand Army then produced the
Pot Pourre. composed and arranged by
MIR Kirk, entitled Kinks SalmagundI"
which, naturally enough, was "blowed"
to perfection. The piano soloS Martha
Fantasia" by Prof. L. A. Clewell, which
by the way was arranged and composed by
himself, was artistically executed, and
shows a rare display Of musical genius
and talent. which WIS fully appreciated.
The vocal duett, See the Pale Moon" by
the sisters, Misses NJ. and S. Huntington,
was good, and was a pleaSurable feature OF
the entertainment. The characteristic song,
Jim, the Carter Lad. by Master William
PIrrong, was also well received. Mr. Chas.
Fiala then presented his cornet solo, the
"Uno Serenade," which was most beauti-
fully executed, and the band can con-
graduate themselves on having Char
ley" as a "blowist."
MI. T. F. Kirk then appeared upon the
stage, and In a few pointed remarks, re-.
turned thanks for the kindness shown him
on this occasion, when, as he was on the
point of retiring, he was geBay tapped on
the shoulder, and politely asked to "hold
on" when on behalf Of citizens and
friends of Mr.. Kirk, the Rev. Mr.. Kuhns
presented him with a splendid silver tea
set. This was wholly a surprise to Mr..
Kirk and he was entirely overcome, and
could only return thanks by a smile,
which was well understood by his many
friends. After this the laughable new
burlesque, Wilson's Concert" concluded
the evenings entertainment, in which all
IN Irrespective roles were well did" We
have heard but one opinion, and that is,
1t was the concert "of the period"