Above / Revolutionary War re-enactors are set to return to perform with the Naperville Municipal Band during Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” at 7:30PM Thurs., June 27, one week before America’s birthday on July 4. Set on the south side of Central Park, the cannons and their much-anticipated series of 16 cannon booms accompany Tchaikovsky’s glorious and rousing fanfare.
Strike up the band for the red, white and blue and brace yourself for a few cannons, too.
The next two weeks of Naperville Municipal Band Concerts in Central Park will showcase American history through music when live performances begin at 6PM both Thursday evenings.
First up, the District 204 Alumni Band will take the stage at 6PM June 27, prior to the Naperville Municipal Band concert at 7:30PM. The District 204 Alumni Band is comprised of alumni, faculty and friends of the District 204 music program. The concert will feature many popular melodies and the works of celebrated band composer and arranger, Alfred Reed.
The concert at 7:30PM Thurs., June 27, will be a blast from the past with a reenactment featuring costumed soldiers depicting Revolutionary War heroes who will set off 16 memorable cannon shots.
“Prelude to a Celebration” aims to get concert goers into the Independence Day spirit, according to Naperville Municipal Band Conductor and Music Director Ron Keller.
“The show will include slices of Americana: St. Louis Blues, Over the Rainbow, the Music Man and The Blue and The Gray (a nod to our Civil War re-enactors firing the cannons), to name a few,” added Assistant NMB Director Emily Binder. “Overture to 1812 and Hail America March will finish the show with help from the cannons and local church bells.”
Independence Day Concert begins at 6PM July 4
Then the following week at 6PM on Independence Day, July 4, the holiday birthday theme will celebrate patriotism, songs and marches from America’s archives throughout its first 243 years.
“The July 4th Concert will be at 6PM so folks can easily get to the fireworks,” said Binder. “It will include all of the 4th of July classics like Yankee Doodle and American Patrol. We will also feature Ron Keller’s wonderful marches in honor of our city’s Veterans organizations, Post 43, The American Legion March and The Kendall Post March.”
Binder added, “We are thrilled to have the Naperville Community Chorus join the band for America the Beautiful, Battle Hymn of the Republic and God Bless America.”
Throughout 2019, the Naperville Municipal Band is celebrating its first 160 years. Concerts are open to the public and free of admission charge.
Central Park is located at 104 E. Benton Avenue in downtown Naperville.
For more information about the band that’s been around since 1859, visit www.napervilleband.org.
