The 2015 Carillon Recital Series is now in full play at the Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower at the base of Rotary Hill beginning at 7PM every Tuesday during the summer through Aug. 18. This summer’s schedule includes performers from the Australia Netherlands, Russia, France, Canada and from all over the U.S.
These free performances are held rain or shine (unless there is lightning) and audiences are welcome to picnic on the lawn.
Climb 253 steps to view this ‘Tree City’
Learn the history of the iconic bell tower that holds one of the biggest musical instruments in the world at the Visitor Center where photos and a video help tell the story. Hours of operation are from 10AM to 4PM on Fridays and Saturdays and from noon to 6PM on Sundays.
What’s more, the Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower, just steps away from the Visitors Center along the Riverwalk, is now open for visitors to venture up to the observation deck.
For $3, visitors can climb the 253 steps that wind around 72 engraved commemorative bells and see the inner workings from the smallest bell to the largest. On the way to the top, folks will face spectacular views of this designated Tree City at intermittent stops until they reach the uppermost observation deck. Then on a clear day, the skyline of Chicago just might be visible toward the east.
Above / The site to the south beyond Naperville Central High School, Knoch Park, turns into the spacious festival grounds for Ribfest hosted by the Exchange Club of Naperville every year in conjunction with Independence Day. Just beyond the park is Edward Hospital.
Purchase tickets in the Visitors Center.
Hours of operation are 10AM to 4PM on Saturdays and noon to 6PM on Sundays now through October 26. Friday hours of 10AM to 4PM last through August 15.
For more information and admission fees to climb the tower that is partially accessible by elevator, call (630) 848-5000. For a schedule of performers, visit www.naperville-carillon.org.
Healing Field of Flags returns to Rotary Hill
Note, too, that from Nov. 6-12, the third Naperville Healing Field of Honor will return on Rotary Hill with 2,015 American Flags and special tributes to Vietnam veterans. The view of the hill covered with American flags is breathtaking, especially from the observation deck in Moser Tower.
The first Naperville Healing Field of Honor (Click here for photos) was presented to honor all veterans in 2009 with 2,009 flags. Individuals are welcome to purchase a flag ($30) and tag ($ Donation) to recognize someone who served or is currently serving in the military. The 2015 Healing Field will pay tribute to all individuals who served in the military during the Vietnam era as one of Naperville’s ways to participate in the “Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Program.”
Flag order forms are available at the Naperville Park District Administration Office.
Above / Rotary Hill provides a magnificent setting for the Healing Field of Honor and the observation deck in Moser Tower is a perfect place to view it. The third exhibit is slated for Nov. 6-12, 2015.
Other local concerts this summer
In addition to the Tuesday evening summer series, weekly recitals by local carillonneurs will take place on Saturdays at noon through December. Weekly Carillon concerts will be held on Saturday evenings at 7PM June-August and on Sunday afternoons at 4PM May-September and at 3PM October-December.
On Independence Day, July 4, 2015, the regular Saturday recital schedule will be canceled. Instead, from 8:45- 9:15PM Sue Bergren and Tim Sleep will perform “Patriotic Duets” prior to Fireworks that begin at 9:30PM.
Summertime also presents weekly free concerts by the Naperville Municipal Band at 7:30PM Thursdays in Central Park. The special performance of the 1812 Overture, complete with canons, is slated for Thurs., July 2.
In addition, the Naperville Park District hosts free Concerts in Your Park at 7PM on certain Sundays in June and July. Watch for signs around town.
And Naper Nights return to Naper Settlement on the fourth Friday and Saturday of the month. INFO: www.napersettlement.museum.
Ring out the bells for Ribfest concerts as live music is set up on two main stages during the annual four-day festival in conjunction with Independence Day, (July 2-5, 2015), in Knoch Park just down West Street within clear view from the observation deck nearly 14-stories high in the Moser Tower.