The Clovis Community Band will perform a concert in John Philip Sousa’s honor tonight at the Lycuem Theater.

The Clovis Community Band will cover the stage of the historic Lyceum Theater tonight for the 16th annual John Philip Sousa Concert.

John Philip Sousa played a concert on the same stage in 1928.

The program includes pieces written by Sousa.

Homer Tankersley will join the band as solo vocalist for two pieces; Mac the Knife and God Bless America.

Tankersley, who sang with the Lubbock-based Commodores and the Imperials for 16 years, said joining the band for a performance is always a pleasure.

“I’m so grateful that leaders of the band have asked me to sing with them,” he said. “Clovis has been good to me and my family. I’m trying to give something back.”

Tankersley said that the band honoring Sousa is deserved.

“He is such a big name, such a celebrity, plus the fact of this music and his legacy,” he said. “You put those three things together and it excites people. It does me.”

Fast facts
•  What: Clovis Community Band 16th annual John Philip Sousa

•  When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday

•  Where: Lyceum Theater