47 - Interview with Kenneth Serfass: The Antebellum Marine Band

The Early American Brass Band Podcast

Episode 47 is our conversation with Kenneth Serfass, leader of The Antebellum Marine Band, and Ulysses S Grant reenactor. In the episode we discuss Kenneth's time in the Marine Corps, what led him to start The Antebellum Marine Band, their notable performances, and how he started reenacting as Ulysses S. Grant.

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Music in this episode comes from "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, and The 8th GM Regiment Band.

Episode Structure:

• 2:49 - How Kenneth became interested in American history and Ulysses S. Grant

• 7:36 - How Kenneth became involved in the reenacting hobby, how his experiences reenacting planted the seed for The Antebellum Marine Band

• 22:55 - Appearance and history of the 1800's Marine Band

• 32:05 - What got Kenneth excited about founding the Antebellum Marine Band

• 36:53 - How Kenneth started reenacting as General Grant, stories from appearances as Grant

• 40:07 - Filming as General Grant for the History Channel

• 47:40 - Advice for starting a band

• 49:13 - Notable performances with The Antebellum Marine Band

• 57:05 - What it's like being a period 19th century band in Gettysburg

• 1:06:32 - How reenacting has influenced Kenneth's bandleading

• 1:09:27 - Where you can find out more about Kenneth and The Antebellum Marine Band