Crackerjack Bands and Hometown Boosters: The Story of a Minnesota Music Man (Unabridged‪)‬

An inspiring story of music and history, as well as community and connection! Minnesota journalist and essayist Joy Riggs probes her own family history to reveal how 20th century Midwestern towns once competed for respect, recognition, and renown by mustering talented bands of youth and other musicians. 

Through times of war, peace, economic hardship, and personal tragedy, Riggs's "Crackerjack Bands and Hometown Boosters" follows the career of her great-grandfather G. Oliver, his talented wife Islea, and their children. The bandleader and former "Conn man"—a sales representative of the C.G. Conn instrument company of Elkhart, Indiana—G. Oliver Riggs worked in Crookston, Bemidji, Grand Forks, St. Cloud, and other Minnesota cities.

Ultimately, the story reveals how civic pride, community participation, and the power of music can transform lives and connect people across generations!