Above / Youngsters are invited to dress in costume for the Kids Parade that will be led by a team of drum majors! Note the 7PM time for the Kids Concert, a special one-hour production, is just perfect for young audience members. (PN Photo, 2024)
FYI: After last Thursday’s first Naperville Municipal Band Concert of the season, Sue York Nefzger posted a sentimental comment on the Positively Naperville FB.
“Our family used to go all the time. At the time, as a teenager, I thought they were corny. But I really appreciate those experiences. Pure Americana!”
Cheers to traditions and family entertainment every Thursday evening in Central Park, now through Aug. 14, 2025. Start with dinner at a downtown Naperville eatery and stay for the show!
NMB Concert #2 is set for everyone who loves a parade
Band fans of all ages are welcome to the second Naperville Municipal Band concert of the season in Central Park on Thurs., June 12. For the second year in a row, the Kids Concert with a parade on the second Thursday in June will return beginning at 7PM, 30 minutes earlier than other summer NMB concerts.
Thanks for spreading the news that this week’s “Kids Concert” also will feature an “Instrument Petting Zoo” hosted by Naperville’s own Ellman’s Music Center from 5:45PM to 6:30PM. Kindly note the even earlier start time provides a chance to touch and hold musical instruments of all shapes and sizes.
What’s more, kids are encouraged to come in costume ready to march in step to familiar music under the leadership of a whole team of drum majors!
Park benches are set for the summer season and the colorful mural on the big stage door of the Community Concert Center depicts the history of the City band that dates back to 1859.
Yet, this week’s one-hour “Kids Concert” is devoted to youngsters, featuring kid favorites and a fun-loving look toward a future of music appreciation. Kids also will have an opportunity to parade in front of the stage and perhaps lead the Naperville Municipal Band.
“They’ll get a chance to take to the podium and conduct the NMB on stage,” said NMB Director Emily Binder. “Musical selections include Disney favorites, music from the smash hit musical and movie, Wicked, and melodies folks of all ages are sure to recognize and enjoy.”
Again, the “Instrument Petting Zoo,” sponsored by Ellman’s Music, is a chance to become acquainted with a variety of musical instruments.
The NMB Kids Concert promises to bring out the kid in everyone.
Showcase of music and art in historic Central Park
In addition to live music performed by the Naperville Municipal Band every Thursday evening through Aug. 14, “The Great Concerto” mural by Barton Gunderson is one of three Century Walk works of public art on permanent exhibit in Central Park, Naperville’s first park where plenty of history abounds. Also find “Veterans Valor” by sculptor Shirley McWorter-Moss at the Van Buren entrance to the park and “Laughing Lincoln” by David Alan Clark along Court Place.
Perhaps pack a picnic or pick up a pizza for the whole family. Downtown Naperville has plenty of restaurants offering dinners to-go.
Stay tuned for updates. Again, this week, June 12, the big stage door goes up at 7PM, an exception to regular start times of 7:30PM. Central Park is located at 104 E. Benton Avenue in downtown Naperville, with access from Van Buren at Washington Street and from E. Jefferson Avenue.
Also note: If a concert must be canceled because of inclement weather, that decision will be made at the time the concert is scheduled to begin.
Looking toward the 2025 NMB Summer Concert Series
The Naperville Municipal Band Thursday Night Summer Concert Series in Central Park begins at 7:30PM. All concerts are FREE, thanks to the Naperville SECA Fund. BYO refreshments! Many families also bring blankets and portable chairs to spread throughout Central Park. Enjoy the tradition of music, music, music.
June 19 – NMB Big Band
June 26 – Comedy Night
July 3 – Patriotic Concert featuring the 1812 Overture accompanied by cannons and Civil War reenactors.
July 4 – NMB performs near Frontier Park before the Naperville Fireworks. The performance will begin at 7:30PM under the Wagner Pavilion at the 95th Street Community Plaza located south of the 95th Street Library. It’s suggested that the audience bring collapsible chairs, blankets or other sit-upons. Fireworks at dusk.
July 10 – Dick Wheeler’s 50th Anniversary with the NMB
July 17 – Naperville Trivia Night
July 24 – The Wonder of Water
July 31 – Celebration of the Big Band
August 7 – Tone Colors
August 14 – Summer’s End / Memories Begin
For updates and more information, visit www.napervilleband.org.
