Concordia University Chicago Hosts Annual Patriotic Pops Concert and Ice Cream Social

Submitted by Concordia University Chicago.

Honoring service men and women, while celebrating community and country with timeless music, the University Band will perform its ninth annual Patriotic Pops Concert on Saturday, June 27 on the university campus.

The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m., with concessions opening at 5:30 p.m., on the Addison Hall lawn, 7400 Augusta Street, River Forest. In the event of rain, the concert will be held in Werner Auditorium. Admission is free. Free, handicapped-accessible parking is available in the visitors’ lot north of the University parking structure off Bonnie Brae Place.

“We are proud to welcome the community to this much beloved event,” says Dr. Richard Fischer, conductor of the University Band, Distinguished Professor of Music and The Fred and Jane Wittlinger Endowed Chair for Music Performance. “This annual summer concert provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate summer and our great country through the gift of music.”

The band will open with “The Star-Spangled Banner” as the Lord Baden-Powell Color Guard of the Boy Scout Troop #65 of River Forest posts colors. The concert will feature popular and patriotic music including a “Sound of Music” medley, “Midway March” by John Williams, “Big Band Signatures” by John Higgins, an armed forces salute and a patriotic sing-a-long.

The performance will include commentary provided by Jean Harrison Bojes. Each year, Bojes introduces the repertoire and provides interesting facts on each piece performed.

The University Band comprises approximately 70 musicians including residents from surrounding communities as well as Concordia Chicago alumni and students.

Costs for ice cream, boxed meals and water will range from $1 to $5. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets and/or lawn chairs; a limited number of folding chairs will be available. For more information, contact Erin Verpil at 708-209-3555 or erin.verpil@cuchicago.edu.