The Waukegan Slovenian Band, from the 1920s. Does anyone know the dates this ensemble performed, member names, who directed, more history? Many of these musicians moved on later to the future Waukegan Municipal Band. See our "History" under the "About" tab for links to more local Slovenic musicians. photo courtesy of Steve Nedelka
From the Waukegan Historical Society publication "Images of America, Waukegan Illinois" page 103, photo date unknown. The Finnish Temperance Band was directed by Hugo W. Lassila (1889-1972) and J. Kangas in 1921 per Paul Niemisto's internet research; date of band's performances unknown, potentially between 1890-1933. Is this possibly at the Roosevelt Park bandshell? Were they also Steel and Wire Band members? Were they disbanded after Prohibition? Note the primarily "British Brass Band" instrumentation with a side order of woodwinds.
Above: Waukegan Centennial, featuring the Waukegan Municipal Band with other area music makers. Thanks to eMemoriesMaker on YouTube for sharing our predecessors.
1969 Waukegan Municipal Band on Memorial Day, photos courtesy of former member Don Martin
August 7th, 2001 Dedication of the Stiner Pavilion at the Waukegan Lakefront. Tom Gillette, Mrs.Caryl Stiner, Dr. Harry Begian and Dr. Howard Klug. Photo courtesy of Tom Gillette.
June 8, 2002 Jack Benny Statue and Plaza Dedication. Left to right, Emcee Bill DeVore, Eddie Carroll/Benny impersonator, former Mayor Bill Durkin and former State Senator Adeline Geo-Karis. Photo courtesy of Tom Gillette.
June 8, 2002 Dedication of the Jack Benny Statue and Plaza: The Waukegan Municipal Band Warms Up, courtesy of jackbenny.org. Tom Gillette directing
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2008 Fourth of July Parade,
Music Director Tom Gillette |
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July 15, 2008 Concert pictures, courtesy of the Beckwith family
2009 Municipal Band ending their season, from the Daily Herald
Final Concert Waukegan Municipal Band July 28, 2009 (Four part video clips).
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2012 and 2013 Seasons, Waukegan Band performing at Stiner Pavilion, Waukegan Lakefront. Sometimes a parasail or sailboat joins the audience...
Music Director Josh Kumpula
Music Director Josh Kumpula
2013 Waukegan Park District, American Independence Parade performance June 30. Photos above Waukegan Band, below courtesy Ali Akbari, editor of Lake County and It's Arts
Illinois State Tourism's "Mini-Abe" guest conducts the Waukegan Band
2015 Season, Our 80th! Have you seen Tracy Adams' beautiful pix on the Stiner Pavilion Facebook page (click here to connect)? This is our lakefront, which isn't available any where else...and when the kites arrive at the Beach, the Band at Stiner Pavilion will be close behind!
Kite surfing at Waukegan Beach is a leading indicator for summer's musical relief...
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July 14, 2015 Concert video by David Godbold
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Additional 2015 Season photos (July 14 concert) courtesy of David Godbold. Laura Rexroth conducting.
Looking backward and forward with the grand finale to our 80th Season. Mayor Wayne Motley and the Waukegan City Council present a congratulatory City Resolution to the Waukegan Band for decades of public performances with more to come. Photo courtesy of the City of Waukegan.
2016 Season, Dr. Mark A.Taylor conducting
photo courtesy of the guest 85th Army Band directed by CW3 James E. Walker, Commander
How will you write this musical heritage?
Time to relax near the lake?
2017 Season
with featured guests the Milwaukee Festival Brass, Great Lakes Navy Band, Waukegan Schools Mariachi Band and the ALATA Dance Team
with featured guests the Milwaukee Festival Brass, Great Lakes Navy Band, Waukegan Schools Mariachi Band and the ALATA Dance Team
Award winning Milwaukee Festival Brass
Crowd-pleasing United States Navy Band, Great Lakes Naval Station
