June 2017
The University Band of Concordia-Chicago will perform its annual Patriotic Pops Concert on Saturday, June 24, on campus at 7400 Augusta, River Forest, Illinois. The event will celebrate community and country with timeless music while honoring service men and women. Concession sales (ice cream, boxed meals and water) open at 5:30 p.m. and the concert is at 6:30 p.m. on the Augusta Street lawn.
The vocal soloist for the evening will be the “singing janitor,” Keanon Kyles, who landed his first overseas opera role while working as a custodian at ABC 7 News. Kyles made his opera debut as Colliné in “La Boheme” with Kor Opera Productions, has performed in Trento, Italy as Betto in “Gianni Schicchi,” and recently performed in the world premiere of Floating Opera Company’s “War and Peace.”
The concert will feature “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Amazing Grace,” “You Raise Me Up,” and “Carmen: Toreador Song,” all with Kyles on vocals. Annie Grapentine will be the trumpet soloist on “Trumpeter’s Lullaby” by Leroy Anderson. The evening will conclude with a selection of patriotic songs, a sing-along and a salute to the armed forces.
Jean Harrison Bojes will provide commentary, introducing the repertoire and providing interesting facts on each piece performed.
The University Band includes about 70 musicians–all residents from surrounding communities plus Concordia University Chicago students, faculty and staff. Dr. Richard Fischer, distinguished professor of music and the Fred and Jane Wittlinger Endowed Chair for Music Performance, conducts the ensemble. Fischer has been director of bands at Concordia-Chicago since 1974.
Concert attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and/or lawn chairs; a limited number of folding chairs will be available. The rain location is Werner Auditorium. If you have questions, please call 708-209-3122 or pr@cuchicago.edu.