Don Johnson, the founder of the Kentucky Baroque Trumpets, attended a number of Vintage Band Festivals with his ensemble  before he passed away in 2016. Don organized and played in the U.S. Marine Band (President Lincoln’s Own), in the 2012 classic film, “Lincoln”, directed and produced by Steven Spielberg. During one scene, President Lincoln arrives at an unidentified building to give a speech for a flag-raising. While he’s walking to the flagpole, the U.S. Marine Band plays the march “We Are Coming Father Abra’am” in his honor.

Jeff Stockham, a member of Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band was also in the film. Both Jeff and Don were once members of another Civil War reenactor band, the Federal City Brass Band. A number of the authentic instruments in the U.S. Marine Band in the Lincoln film were from Jeff’s personal collection.

In the above photo, Jeff is on the far left and Don is fourth from the right. Don said that he dogged the production company for quite some time after filming was done in order to buy the uniform he wore. After he successfully made the purchase, he admitted that he paid more than he intended for the privilege!

Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band is playing at VBF 2026 July 30 – August 2. Check out the complete roster of bands and the Bridge Square Stage Schedule at vintagebandfestival.org.