Here & Now

Mike Leckrone Bids Farewell

Frederica Freyberg:
Finally tonight, a Wisconsin legend stepping down with a bang. UW-Madison Marching Band Director Mike Leckrone directs his last, sold out varsity band spring concert series tonight and Saturday night at the Kohl Center in Madison.
[music]
Since he took over the UW Marching Band in 1969, Leckrone has seen six chancellors and eight football coaches come and go but he has remained a game day staple. These spring concerts mark his final appearance at a tradition he started in 1975 when he decided the band needed one last performance for the year. Since then they have become elaborate spectacles, well known for Leckrone’s flamboyant dress and dramatic entrances. Leckrone will retire in May from both teaching and directing UW bands, saying he wants to leave on a high note.
[cheers and applause]
The concerts sold out months ago but you can see Professor Leckrone’s final varsity band concert live from Kohl Center in Madison tomorrow, Saturday night, April 13th at 7:00 p.m. The program is called “Moments of Happiness” and we will live stream the entire program at wpt.org. WPT will also present a broadcast version of the concert on Saturday, May 4 at 7:00 p.m.