Renamed the Vern Cermak Band Shell in 2015, the performance area has helped tie the community together through music. (Karisa Ross photo)

Dustin White

Editor

In 1990, a split was beginning to form in Mandan. A nearly 60 year long affiliation was being severed, as members of the local chapter, founded in 1931, of the American Federation of Music voted to cut their ties to the group, citing increase cost of membership affiliation at the national level.

However, not wanting to be without a formal group, in May of 1991, a membership meeting was called, with the intention of restructuring the existing membership, as well as continuing as a non-profit organization. Out of the ashes arose the “Musicians Association,” who would receive their non-profit status in 1994.

Their first task was to organize a fundraiser to build a band shell, which began in 1993. Raising $66,000, the band shell was ready for use in 1994.

Initially built for the Ark in the Park Venue during the Independence Day week, the Band Shell quickly evolved into a center for summer music. With really no place to perform before, the Band Shell became the place for musicians, and their fans, to gather.

Having started with just a couple of performances, the Band Shell now sees up to four band performances a week throughout the summer, with thousands of people going out to catch their favorite bands, or to get a bit of a glimpse into the variety of music available.

At the center of much of this work has been one man, Vern Cermak. As an early advocate not only for the Band Shell, but also musicians in general, Cermak has had an important hand in organizing the entertainment for many of the events in downtown Mandan.

In recognition of his hard work, in 2015, at the recommendation of the Bismarck/Mandan Musicians Association, the Mandan City Commission voted to rename the Band Shell the Vern Cermak Band Shell.