Today, beginning at 7:30PM Aug. 19, the Naperville Municipal Band Big Band returns for its second performance this concert season, and the final concert of the Thursday Evening Summer Concert Series in Central Park. The concert is free of admission charge. Create a lasting memory with family, friends and neighbors during a summer tradition that dates back before radio and television. Local safety protocols apply.
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 162nd 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 on Thurs., Aug. 19, when the jazz musicians with the Naperville Municipal Band Big Band again take the stage.
‘Joint Jazz Bands’
Naperville Big Band
As Long As I’m Singing / arr. Jerry Nowak / John Barbush, vocal
Jazz Faction Big Band
Bake Sale in the Gazebo
What’s more, tonight’s local nonprofit organization, the Naperville Noon Lions Club, will host the 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. The Noon Lions are known for their annual Summer Raffle now in progress as well as the Turkey Trot 5K held on Thanksgiving Day. Find out more during this week’s NMB Big Band Concert.
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 bring a cushion to 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 concert, likely accompanied by a beautiful sunset, with a musical theme focused on familiar songs that will keep toes tapping.
For more info about the Naperville Municipal Band, visit napervilleband.org.
Looking forward, the Naperville Municipal Band will perform for the annual Sept. 11 Observance at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower September 11 Memorial along the Riverwalk. Music will begin at 08:15AM Sat., Sept. 11, in the Riverwalk Amphitheater across the DuPage River from the September 11 Memorial.
