The Peoria Municipal Band, under the direction of Dr. David Vroman, will begin its 88th season of summer concerts with a Memorial Day Performance at the Gateway Building on Monday, May 26 at 10:30 a.m. This brief performance will be followed with the Peoria Memorial Association Program at 11 a.m. to remember those who have died in service to our country. Then, on Sunday, June 1 at 7 p.m. in the Glen Oak Park Amphitheater, the Morton Civic Chorus will join the band for the summer kick-off concert.
The 2025 summer concert series will consist of 24 performances by a band of 50 musicians. Concerts by the band feature vocal soloists, instrumental soloists, marches, overtures, Broadway and film music and more. On Sundays, Emack and Bolio’s Ice Cream will be there, and on three special evenings, a food truck will also be in attendance; June 8 is Mac Daddy Spudz, July 13 is Grill Em All, and August 10 is Tony’s On Wheels/Haddads.
All Sunday evening concerts will be on the Fred Huber Bandshell in the Glen Oak Park Amphitheater at 7 p.m., beginning June 1 and running weekly until August 10.
Wednesday evening performances are presented at the corner of Water Street and State Street and begin June 8, running each Wednesday until the final concert on August 6. Pat Sullivan and his crew at Kelleher’s Irish Pub and Eatery are the hosts, and seating and food is available. All Peoria Municipal Band concerts are free of charge and parking is adjacent to the performing venues. Many bring their lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the concert on the grass.
Two special Friday evening performances will be given this season. The first is at St. Philomena’s Church and School on Friday June 27 at 7 p.m. Then, on Friday July 18 at 7 p.m., the band will perform at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Weekly updates about the concerts can be found online at peoriamunicipalband.com.
The Peoria Municipal Band was formed in 1937 through the efforts of Local 26 of the American Federation of Musicians and interested citizens. Prior to 1937, the band was a professional municipal band complete with management and "Soloists of National Reputation." Current band members come from all walks of life; many are currently music teachers in the local schools. They are selected by audition and then commit to a full season of rehearsals and performance. Hundreds of thousands of people have enjoyed their music since 1937. Today, with the support of the city, the band continues the long-standing tradition of excellence in music.
For more information, please contact Band Director David Vroman via email, Manager George Graves, Jr. via email, or Publicity Coordinator, Liz Driscoll via email.