Thursday Evening Summer Concert Series in Central Park creates the perfect setting for picnics with family, friends and neighbors. Celebrate songs from the first 160 years of the Naperville Municipal Band during today’s performance beginning at 7:30PM in Central Park.
Strike up a tradition in Central Park!
Before radio, before TV, before smart phones, before streaming live…
The Naperville Municipal Band (under a variety of “community band” names) had been performing live in Central Park since 1859!
And so it goes. During this 160th anniversary year, the band continues to play on and on this summer under the longtime leadership of Music Director and Conductor Ron Keller since 1966 and narration by Ann (Good) Lord since 1958, with a little help in recent years from assistant conductors René R. Rosas and Emily Binder, and Naperville Big Band Director Tracy Oliver.
Be sure to include a NMB Concert experience in your plans this Thursday and every Thursday evening through Aug. 15.
If you’ve never attended a summer NMB concert in Central Park, note to pick up a printed program at the info table on the south side of the park. Every week, 1,000 programs will be numbered for the raffle sponsored by a different business for a chance to win gift certificates.
What’s more, local nonprofit organizations will host a bake sale in the Central Park Gazebo, a time when board members and friends share information to help raise a little awareness and funds for a worthy cause.
So… Pack a picnic basket. Buy a box lunch at one of downtown Naperville’s many eateries. Bring a little cash for the special treats, soft drinks and coffee at the Gazebo. Come with collapsible chairs. Spread a blanket on the lawn. Or sit on park benches…
Be ready when the huge stage door featuring the Century Walk mural of the “Great Concerto” goes up promptly at 7:30PM.
And join the crowd to enjoy the 90-minute concerts, often accompanied by a beautiful sunset, with a musical theme focused on familiar songs and popular marches.
On with the show at 7:30PM Thursdays!
July 11 – “Happy 160”
Raffle Sponsor: Homewatch Care Givers / Bake Sale: Girl Up Club of Naperville
July 18 – “Vicki Keller Night” 50th Anniversary
Raffle Sponsor: Braconi’s Restaurant / Bake Sale: Naperville North Field Hockey Club
July 25 – “René’s Conducting” (Led by Assistant Conductor René R. Rosas)
Raffle Sponsor: Rotary Club of Naperville – Downtown / Bake Sale: Lizzy’s Fund
August 1 – “Back in the Saddle”
Raffle Sponsor: Ellman’s Music Center / Bake Sale: Naperville Area Humane Society
August 8 – “So Long For A While” (Led by NMB Conductor & Music Director Ron Keller)
Raffle Sponsor: Naperville Bank and Trust / Bake Sale: League of Women Voters
August 15 – Joint Big Band Concert (Led by Naperville Big Band Director Tracy Oliver)
Raffle Sponsor: NMB / Bake Sale: Cross of Christ Fellowship
All performances are free and open to the public. Stage door goes up at 7:30PM.
Thanks for recent memories!
June 6 – “The Greatest Generation” (Led by NMB Conductor & Music Director Ron Keller)
Raffle Sponsor: Naper Settlement / Bake Sale: New Horizons Band
June 13 – “New York, New York” (Led by Assistant Conductor Emily Binder / Music Director Ron Keller on Tuba)
Raffle Sponsor: Catch 35 / Bake Sale: Naperville Noon Lions Club
June 20– NMB Big Band (Led by Naperville Big Band Director Tracy Oliver)
Raffle Sponsor: Positively Naperville / Bake Sale: Congregation Beth Shalom
June 27 – “Prelude to a Celebration” – 1812 Overture (Led by NMB Conductor & Music Director Ron Keller)
Raffle Sponsor: Two Bostons Pet Boutique / Bake Sale: Naperville Woman’s Club
Extra Note! At 6PM June 27, the District 204 Alumni Band Concert will perform at the Community Concert Center. The District 204 Alumni Band contains 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.
July 4 – 5th Concert – “America’s Composers” (Alert! Early start 6PM)
Raffle Sponsor: Kevin McQuillan Law Offices / Bake Sale: Naperville Area AAUW (In order to participate in the weekly raffle, always remember to pick up a numbered program at the NMB Information Table or from one of the band’s student helpers.)
For more information about the band that’s been around since 1859, visit www.napervilleband.org.
