Wednesday at noon in the Pell City Municipal Complex, the After Class trio will present a concert of war melodies and patriotic tunes in a salute to our veterans and active-service personnel.

Veterans will be recognized during this event, which is a part of the Pell City Public Library’s ongoing Wild & Wonderful Wednesday series.

After Class is an instrumental trio, featuring the hammered dulcimer, the violin, and guitar. They have an extensive repertoire, including Celtic melodies, songs of Appalachia, as well as the war tunes featured in the upcoming event.

Rob Angus plays the hammered dulcimer for the group. This instrument harkens back to Medieval times, originating in the Middle East. The instrument is played by striking the strings with small wooden hammers, an idea that was later incorporated into the development of the piano. The sound of the dulcimer is described as something between those sounds produced by a harp and a harpsichord.

Mark Weldon plays the violin for After Class, though his musical ability is not limited to playing the violin. He is also proficient on the mandolin, guitar, and cello. Weldon also writes music, and is responsible for many of the group’s arrangements. He has toured professionally as a violin and fiddle player with other groups, such as: Three on a String, and for country star, Mell Tillis’ band.

Brant Beene, on classical guitar, provides the bass and rhythm section for After Class. He also plays the mandolin, and composes original music for the group’s ongoing performances. Some of his writing credits include music for advertising and documentary films, as well as a top ten country song recorded by Barbara Mandrell. In addition, Brant is skilled in building mandolins and guitars.

The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served afterwards.

Planned for Wednesday, May 17 at noon, the concert will be in the banquet room of the Pell City Municipal Complex, located at 1000 Bruce Etheredge Pkwy. 

For more information, call the Pell City Public Library at (205) 884-1015 or visit pellcitylibrary.com.