Above / During the final concert of the Naperville Municipal Band 10-week summer series in Central Park, fans on park benches, blankets and portable folding chairs again will be welcomed with big band sounds when the big stage door goes up on another opening of another show.
NMB Big Band is under the leadership of Tracy Oliver. Since 1981, Oliver, who plays clarinet, also has performed with the Naperville Municipal Band. (PN File Photo)
The NMB BIG Band Joint Big Band Concert, under the leadership of director Tracy Oliver, is set to begin at 7:30PM Thurs., Aug. 11, 2022, wrapping up the summer concert series of the Naperville Municipal Band that began in June.
“Celebration of the Big Band Concert” will feature musicians from the Naperville Municipal Band BIG Band along with the Fox Valley Jazz Big Band from Aurora, led by director Jeff Ford.
Two bands will take the stage at the Community Concert Center to fill Central Park with big band sounds, reminiscent of the big band era, aka the swing era, from the 1930s to the mid-1940s. (PN File Photo)
Swing along with toe-tapping big band sounds sure to unite nearly all forms of jazz this Thursday evening in Central Park, the final performance in the 10-concert summer series.
During the NMB Big Band concert last summer, the pavement in front of the Gazebo provided space for dancers to swing to the upbeat sounds coming from musicians on stage of the Community Concert Center. Groups also gathered around lamp posts to picnic throughout Central Park. (PN File Photo 2021)
Plan a picnic with family, friends and neighbors and enjoy the scene in Central Park with live entertainment from two big bands!
“Two big bands, twice the fun!” noted Oliver.
If packing a picnic isn’t your pleasure, know that downtown Naperville is home to dozens of eateries that offer to-go orders for pick up. Several restaurants such as Quigley’s Irish Pub, MOD Pizza and Catch 35 are conveniently located just steps from Central Park.
This week’s bake sale in the Gazebo will be hosted by Naperville Preservation, Inc.
While you’re there, perhaps grab a partner and dance the Lindy Hop to the upbeat sounds under the full moon as hot Dog Days come to an end for 2022.
Thanks for supporting the performing and fine arts!
In addition to the Naperville Community Concert Center, Central Park is home to three Century Walk works of art as well as historical monuments. The big stage door is emblazoned with a Century Walk mural by Bart Gunderson that showcases the history of the Naperville Municipal Band that’s been around since 1859.
NMB Fall Concert / 3PM Nov. 6
Looking forward, save the date for the indoor Naperville Municipal Band Fall Concert at 3PM Sun., Nov. 6, 2022, on stage at Wentz Concert Hall. The spirited program is the NMB’s annual Veterans Day tribute to all men and women serving the armed services.
Located at Chicago Avenue and Ellsworth Street in downtown Naperville, find Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center on the campus of North Central College.
All Naperville Municipal Band concerts are free of admission charge.
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