The new downtown pavilion in St. James will host its first guest on Friday night. The 106th Army Band will present an ensemble concert on the plaza beginning at 7 p.m. The free concert is part of a central Missouri tour the band is conducting over the next few days.

    “They are being housed at Fort Leonard Wood. They are playing several places in the area. Its interesting because the 106th saw action in World War II,” Mayor Dennis Wilson explained.
    The band will be hosting concerts over the weekend and asked if it could play in the downtown plaza. Featuring an assortment of music, the performers will be playing popular country, rock, and jazz music.
    Home for the 106th is Camp Robinson, in Little Rock, Ark. Following the end of WWII, the division was deactivated and later reactivated with assignments in San Juan Puerto Rico, according to Wilson.
    Friday’s concert is free to the public and East Washington Street will be closed to traffic from 6 to 9 p.m. for the concert. Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and anything necessary for comfortable seating, as none will be provided. All are encouraged to show support for the band as they offer entertainment to residents.