Paul Pickens

Musicians who played in the historic 42nd Infantry Division Band late in WWII are getting back together in Columbia again this weekend. Paul Pickens, who directs several local bands, said the group has chosen to have its reunion in Columbia for the last five or six years.

They will be here the 29th and 30th of April, and 1st of May, and will be staying at the Clarion Town House. Pickens, himself an Army band veteran, said the reunion group will be entertained Friday night by the local German band, Die Lustigen Musikanten.

“Translated, that means The Happy Musicians,” said Pickens, who manages the Oompah band. “The public is invited to come around to the Town House to meet the musicians and hear the music, beginning at 7 pm,” Pickens added.

Saturday evening from 8 to 9 pm, the reunion members will be honored with a concert performed by the 282nd Army Band, headquartered at Fort Jackson. “This concert will be held at the SCETV Auditorium,” Pickens said. “It’s free and open to the public, but seating is somewhat limited.”

During the 282nd Army Band concert, the original conductor of the 42nd Infantry Division Band, now 91, will be the guest conductor. Pickens said the revered band leader is coming in from Wawa, PA, a suburb of Philadelphia.

The 42nd Infantry Division was General McArthur’s Division re-activated July 4, 1943 at Camp Gruber, OK. The division recently has been activated again and is now serving in Iraq.