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Community Corner

Wayne Messmer Headlines NYSMCA’s “LIVE ON THE LAWN”

Tickets on sale for the September 8th Event

For the second year, Wayne Messmer is generously donating his time and talents to the NSYMCA’s “Live on the Lawn” fundraiser to benefit pool needs and general building improvements. “Live on the Lawn” features Messmer and his Quartet who are well-known and appreciated with sold-out performances at music venues around the greater Chicagoland area. Messmer is widely known for his performances of the National Anthem at many local sports teams including the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Chicago Wolves, Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Sting.

Messmer is also known as a professional speaker, mentor, broadcaster, author and actor, as well as a distinguished philanthropist. “The opportunity to lend support to such an important community resource as the NSYMCA is a calling I am proud to answer,” said Messmer. “My life and career nearly came to an end in 1994 when I was shot in the throat point blank as an innocent victim of a random act of violence. Surviving that dramatic ordeal with the use of my voice was nothing short of miraculous. It has given me a direction in my life to use words and music to spread kindness wherever and whenever I can.”

Philanthropy is not new to Messmer. In addition to the NSYMCA, his giving includes singing monthly at Honor Flight Ceremonies, supporting veterans' groups, and other others such as the Special Father’s Network, Illinois Fatherhood Initiative, Bank the Blue, Knights of Columbus and many others.

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“We are proud to have the Messmer Family as Y members and even more humbled to have them support our Y and believe in what we do for our communities,” says Kathy Fielding, CEO of the NSYMCA. “Last year’s event was such a success, and so we are thrilled to again have the support of Wayne Messmer and his Quartet.”


The evening of music and dancing includes keyboardist Chris White, bassist Sean Jacobi, Dave Katz on trumpet and flugelhorn and Messmer on vocals.

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“Live on the Lawn” tickets are $40 per person in advance and $50 at the door. The event will run rain or shine. Beer, wine, soda and water along with light food and snack items will be available for purchase. Event coordinators suggest bringing a blanket or chairs.

To purchase tickets, please visit Wayne Messmer Quartet At the NSYMCA | North Suburban YMCA www.nsymca.org/wayne23

About the North Suburban:
YMCA The North Suburban YMCA services Northbrook and 14 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help its residents become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org

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