The Naperville Municipal Band will be host to its annual Independence Day Concert, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 1. The holiday birthday theme will celebrate patriotism, songs and marches from America’s archives throughout its first 245 years.
“The Independence Day Concertn July 1 will include all of the 4th of July classics with sing-a-longs directed by Cathy Lord,” said Conductor Ron Keller, leader of the NMB since 1966. “We’ll feature wonderful marches and the “Armed Forces Salute” in honor of local veterans organizations.”
The concert 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.
“Our Glorious Land Concert March” aims to get concert goers into the Independence Day spirit, according to Keller.
“The show will include slices of Americana featuring ‘America the Beautiful,’ ‘Bugle Calls A-Plenty’ and songs made popular by Glenn Miller, to name a few,” said Keller as he listed 12 songs, including “The Symphonic Beatles” featured on the program.
“Overture to 1812 always is the highlight of the show with help from the cannons and local church bells,” said Keller.
The Bake Sale in the Gazebo host will be Lizzie’s Fund, a Naperville nonprofit organization established to offer care and comfort to senior dogs (aged 7 and older) through a multi-faceted approach; providing financial support to senior dogs in shelters and rescue groups.
Concerts are open to the public and free of admission charge.
Central Park is at 104 E. Benton Avenue in downtown Naperville. Park benches are available. Band fans are welcome to bring collapsible chairs and blankets to spread throughout Central Park.
Naperville Municipal Band Concerts will continue through August 19.
Throughout 2021, the Naperville Municipal Band is celebrating its first 162 years at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday through August 19.
— Naperville Municipal Band