Lee County Community Band: A musical gem
When more than 60 wind instruments together with percussion set the beat and an entire auditorium sings along, it’s once again LCCB-time in Cape Coral. The traditional Lee County Community Band has been delighting audiences for over 135 years with catchy tunes, Broadway sounds and genuine joy of playing – in winter as a large ensemble, and recently also as “Little LCCB” in retirement homes in summer. A musical highlight with heart.
The Lee County Community Band looks back on an impressive history: Founded on November 21 , 1885 as the Fort Myers Brass Band, it was soon playing in public – among other things to welcome Thomas Edison and his family on their arrival in the Winter Dominion.
And so generations upon generations of audiences in Southwest Florida until recently in their passionate winter season and more recently as Litte LCCB in the summer season as well.
LCCB from November to April
View into the rehearsal room of the Lee County Community Band
Always ready for a bit of light-hearted fun: Music Director Gil Peltola
The rehearsal room was bursting at the seams in 2024/25, such was the rush to join in.
Under the leadership of Gil Peltola, a dedicated music director with a lifelong passion, the band is given a solid foundation and a creative track – perfectly underlined by his words: “Music is my life“.
Today, the wind ensemblestra has over 60 experienced musicians who perform at a very high level both professionally and as hobby musicians. They either live in Cape Coral, Fort Myers and other parts of Lee County or come from all over the USA as snowbirds during the winter months. The musical diversity of the band makes every concert a musical experience.
Every month between November and April, the LCCB brings the cultural scene to life with free concerts at the Mariner High School Auditorium Cape Coral. The programs vary from rousing marches to well-known Broadway tunes, big band sounds, swing to film music and other popular classics.
Little LCCB – a success story
The small LCCB under the direction of Kathy Williams enjoys great popularity.
Little LCCB conducted by Denny Noggle
Since this year 2025, the ensemble has been involved as Little LCCB beyond the traditional concert period: for the first time this summer, individual members are bringing musical joy to nursing and retirement homes around Cape Coral and Fort Myers.
What was intended as a small leisure activity for local musicians during the summer break has established itself so quickly. As of today, the small, flexible ensemble already has 27 performances for the season. The establishments are asking for repeat performances, the elderly audience is incredibly grateful and the musicians’ expectations have been exceeded.
Concerts as social experiences
The grateful audience now meets in summer and winter with joy, listens enthusiastically, likes to sing along, even dances occasionally and shows: The LCCB not only offers a concert, but also provides a social experience.
As a non-profit organization, the LCCB is financed exclusively through donations. The original spirit of community spirit and voluntary commitment still lives on. Everyone is invited to play, whether amateur or professional, under the central leitmotif of “providing cultural added value for the community”.
LCCB concerts are free and open to the public, usually at the Mariner High School Auditorium in Cape Coral. Donations are gratefully accepted after the concert.
Upcoming concerts
These are the concerts of the 2025/2026 season. All concerts take place in the auditorium of Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd. N. in Cape Coral, beginning at 3 pm.
- April 12, 2026
