The Naperville Municipal Band kicked off its 2017 Summer Concert Series in Central Park at 7:30PM Thursday, June 8.
Tonight after the big concert center door goes up at 7:30PM with the upbeat sound of “Another Opening, Another Show,” it will close on the 11-week season that welcomed thousands of concert-goers to the special venue for music, marches and memories. Concerts were introduced by commentator Ann Lord, and conducted by NMB Director Ron Keller as well as several guest conductors. Together, Lord and Keller have more than 130 years with the band.
Keller is expected to recognize Bob Hoffman for his dedication playing the cornet with the Naperville Municipal Band since 1959. Hoffman recently announced his retirement from the band at age 95!
Central Park provides the setting for loyal fans to enjoy live music from park benches, their own blankets or folding chairs. Folks also set up portable tables for picnics.
Everyone has been welcome to purchase delicious homemade goodies at The Gazebo Bake Sale, hosted by a different charitable organization each week, offers everyone a chance to purchase delicious homemade goodies in support of a worthy cause. Tonight the treats and beverages will be brought to the park by Congregation Beth Shalom.
Though tonight’s final concert, “School Daze,” is sponsored by the Naperville Municipal Band, every other concert has offered a drawing with prizes sponsored by a local business and the NMB. Numbers for the free drawing are printed in 1,000 programs every week. Be sure to grab a program at the band’s reception table on the south side of the park near the parking lot.
Central Park is located at 104 E Benton Ave. in downtown Naperville, behind U.S. Bank, northeast of Washington St. and Jefferson Ave.
Think dinner and the show!
Check out the patio at Catch 35, located at 35 S. Washington at Van Buren Ave., just across from the path that leads to Central Park.
Catch 35 Naperville has created a special offer for Thursdays prior to the Naperville Municipal Band Concert. Dine at Catch 35 before the show and devour our 3-course Prix Fixe Menu for only $37 and receive a complimentary bag of Catch 35 potato chips to-go for the show. (Mention this offer to your server.)
For more info about the rich history of the Naperville Municipal Band that dates back to 1859, visit www.napervilleband.org.
Meanwhile, if you missed this season, plan to meet family, friends and neighbors during one of the outdoor summer concerts next summer to experience the longest running tradition in Central Park.
Thanks for the Memories of the 2017 season of summer concerts!
June 8 –  1st Concert – Sound Off!
With Special Guest Professional Vocalist Cindy Halgrimson
Drawing Sponsor: Naper Settlement / Bake Sale: Ss. Peter & Paul Marching Band
June 15 – 2nd Concert – E Pluribus Unum
With Special Guest Professional Vocalist Cindy Halgrimson
Drawing Sponsor: Ellman’s Music Center / Bake Sale: Lustgarten Foundation
June 22 – 3rd Concert – Live Music is Best
A Musical Salute to the NCHS Class of ’57
Drawing Sponsor: My Travel Agency / Bake Sale: Naperville Woman’s Club
June 29 – 4th Concert – Salute to America! 1812 Overture
Drawing Sponsor: Two Bostons Pet Boutique / Bake Sale: Naperville Area A.A.U.W.
July 6 – 5th Concert – A Latin Festival
Drawing Sponsor: Catch 35 Restaurant / Bake Sale: Lizzy’s Fund
July 13 – 6th Concert – NMB Big Band
Drawing Sponsor: BBM Inc. / Bake Sale: Easter Seals DuPage & Fox Valley
July 20 – 7th Concert – The Ringlings & The Circus
With Special Guest Andy Glover
Drawing Sponsor: Positively Naperville / Bake Sale: ClaySpace
July 27 – 8th Concert – A Hot Time in the Old Town
Drawing Sponsor: Braconi’s Restaurant / Bake Sale: Naperville Noon Lions Club
Aug. 3 – 9th Concert – Music to My Ears
Drawing Sponsor: BBM Inc. / Bake Sale: Naperville YMCAs
Aug. 10 – 10th Concert – NMB Big Band, Joint Jazz Concert
Drawing Sponsor: Naperville Bank and Trust / Bake Sale: NNHS Girls Field Hockey
Aug. 17 – 11th Concert – School Daze
Drawing Sponsor: The Naperville Municipal Band / Bake Sale: Congregation Beth Shalom
Same time next year!
Featuring a different theme for every performance, the 11-week concert series will begin again the second week in June at 7:30PM Thursdays in Central Park.
Look for the Naperville Municipal Band in the Jaycees Last Fling Labor Day Parade. On Sept. 11, the band will perform during its annual observance at the Shanower Sept. 11 Memorial along the Riverwalk behind the Naperville Municipal Center.
Then stay tuned for indoor concerts that begin Nov. 12, 2017, at the Wentz Concert Hall in the North Central College Fine Arts Center.
For more information about the Naperville Municipal Band and its indoor seasonal concerts, visit www.napervilleband.org.
