Joliet American Legion Band’s Spring Concert

The award-winning Joliet American Legion Band is pleased to announce their Spring Benefit Concert — A Musical Tribute to Tom Drake, Director Emeritus will be Saturday, May 20, 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre (201 West Jefferson Street, Joliet). Lobby doors will open at 5:30 pm. All ticket proceeds benefit the all-volunteer band, a nonprofit 501(C)(3) Indoor seating is general admission and limited, so early ticket purchase or reservations are encouraged. Tickets ($15 adults, $10 seniors age 55 and older and students with identification) are available through band members and the park office (815-724-3761). There will be an intermission and refreshments.

Founded in 1946, the Joliet American Legion Band (sponsored by American Legion Post #1080) is an award-winning, all-volunteer organization. This year’s benefit will be a special tribute to long-time director, Tom Drake. He retired at the conclusion of the band’s 2016 Christmas Concert held at the Rialto. Now Director Emeritus, Mr. Drake, will be able to enjoy the Joliet American Legion Band now under the leadership of Director Dr. Sharon Huff. Mr. Drake served the band for over 40 years and was directing the Joliet American Legion Band as they played for the park’s very first “Concert In The Rough” in 1975, before the bandsell was even built. Over the decades, Tom Drake’s dedication has enriched the community with many free concerts of high caliber, reflected in the band’s 38 National Championships and 52 State titles. In their first year in 1946, the men returning from war wore their own military uniforms to their first competition in San Francisco. The won first place, and received three standing ovations. The band has help make Joliet a “City of Champions.”

The band is raising funds to offset expenses incurred by the band throughout the year. All ticket donations and program ads will benefit the band. Any unsold tickets will also be available at the door (cash or check payable to the “Joliet American Legion Band”).

As with tickets, all program ad funds will also go to the band. Ads are: $100 full page (4.5″x8″), $50 half page (4.5″x4″) and $25 quarter page (4.5″x2″). Ads are due May 10. For details, contact: jalbsecretary@comcast.net.

For more information, visit www.jolietlegionband.org and www.bicentennialpark.org. You may also contact John Herder, Band President (815) 715-8414 or the Bicentennial Park office (815) 724-3461.