Joliet American Legion Band

There seems to be some consternation that the current asbestos situation at the Rialto may impact our 41st "Sounds of Christmas" concert on December 8th or that the Rialto may be forced to close. Jim Murphy, the attorney for the Rialto, was on WJOL radio this morning and provided some very detailed information. You can view a press release as well as the EPA report on this topic at WJOL.com. At this time, it appears that all parties are working diligently to resolve the current situation as quickly as possible so that the Rialto can continue to be the "crown jewel" of Joliet. Unfortunately, through no fault of their own, this situation will be rather labor intensive and costly for the theatre to overcome. Among other actions to be taken, it was mentioned that every seat in the house must be vacuumed and all curtains must be cleaned. Naturally, this doesn't just mean that someone breaks out a "Dust Buster" or you drop off some curtains at the local cleaners. The JALB supports its friends at the Rialto and we look forward to seeing you and bringing the spirit of the Holidays to you in December!

ATTENTION BAND MEMBERS:
The band's annual banquet will be held at Post #1080 on Saturday, October 5th beginning at 5pm. If you and a guest(s) are planning to attend (and did not sign-up already at last night's rehearsal), please contact Band Manager Lauri Bank by e-mail, text or the BAND app at your earliest convenience. Attendance information needs to be provided to the caterer THIS week. Thank you!

Continuing a 50-year tradition, the band was the final act as the 50th season of the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theatre "Concerts on the Hill" series came to a close. Despite a warm and humid evening, a great crowd was on hand. The band played the (3) selections it performed in competition in New Orleans this past Saturday in addition to other crowd favorites. Since no one successfully guessed the mystery march (Sousa's "Fairest of the Fair"), we will play "stump the audience" again next year. We look forward to kicking off season #51 in 2025! Hope to see you there!

The Band's new equipment trailer has successfully completed its maiden voyage to national contest in New Orleans. We are eternally grateful to Al Quaresima and his team for their efforts in up-fitting the trailer in the weeks preceding contest in order to accommodate and to safely transport the band's equipment. About a year ago, Al, along with his frequent co-pilot wife Barb (parents of long time band member Tony Quaresima), took on the task of being the band's trailer driver. Being the trailer driver and trailer maintenance man is an intense commitment that involves a considerable amount of one's time long before and after any band performance or event. The all-volunteer JALB is a BUSY organization, so Al has been VERY busy this summer. A heartfelt THANK YOU to Al for helping to keep the JALB in motion! You are greatly appreciated!

At it's Annual Meeting last evening, the Joliet American Legion Band officially welcomed (3) new members to the JALB family. Rich Drew (clarinetist), Nacole Engram (percussionist), and Logan Kundla (percussionist) were each administered the Oath of Membership by former President/50+ year member Ed Periu. Each of these new members was a key contributor to our musical achievements in New Orleans this past weekend. We look forward to making music with all of you for years to come. Welcome aboard!

Here is a link to the band's contest performance in New Orleans, LA this past Saturday. The JALB takes the stage at approximately the 2:53 mark. You'll recognize those same familiar faces that you've come to know and love from the stages of the Rialto, the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theatre, the Old Central Church and so many other popular venues in the Joliet area putting it all on the line. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRJlujxINdU
Note: This recording is apparently mislabeled. This IS the band competition recording. Enjoy!

2024 American Legion National Color Guard Contest

If you weren’t able to hear the band perform this afternoon, we did achieve a 2nd place ranking amongst the (4) bands that competed. While we did play our hearts out as you all anticipated we would, we did come up a little short against a very tough competitor. We have nothing to be ashamed of and will be glad to perform our contest pieces and other favorites in front of our hometown Joliet area crowd on Thursday night at Bicentennial Park. Come join us! And thank you for all the support that got us to New Orleans!

Tune in to WJOL (1340 AM) at 8:42am TOMORROW morning as Music Director Mike Fiske previews the Band's competition performance in New Orleans with radio host Scott Slocum.
Band members (already in New Orleans) or others outside the WJOL listening area can catch the live on-air interview at

1340 WJOL News Will County's News, Talk, Sports

Live stream links to Saturday’s competition:
- www.legion.org/legiontv
- www.youtube.com/americanlegionHQ
Thank you for the support!

wwe.legion.org

TONIGHT is the final rehearsal on our home turf in Joliet before our members disperse to travel to New Orleans later this week. We'll rehearse in the contest venue on Friday night before the big event on Saturday afternoon at 4pm (CDT). We'll post a link to the live stream once that information becomes available. Wish us luck!

It's getting down to crunch time folks and the members of the Joliet American Legion Band have been working diligently in anticipation of some stiff competition in New Orleans. As many of you have asked about the band competition schedule in New Orleans on SATURDAY (8/24), the following information has been received from the American Legion. All performance times are CDT (same as local time).
- American Legion Band of Greater Kansas City (MO) - 1pm
- American Legion Band of the Tonawandas (NY) - 2pm
- American Legion Post 377 Band (LA) - 3pm
- Joliet American Legion Band (IL) - 4pm
- North Dakota American Legion Band (exhibition only) - 5pm
- Awards Ceremony - 6pm
**A link to the live stream of this event will be posted once it becomes available.

A recording of our June 2nd fundraising concert is now available courtesy of these awesome volunteers and devoted friends of the band - Dick and Millie Schuster. See https://www.youtube.com//videos.

Joliet TV Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

Those in attendance at the "Party in the Park" in South Wilmington were introduced to the Joliet American Legion Band during its performance yesterday afternoon. What started out under overcast skies with a brisk breeze turned into some intense heat as the sun made its appearance. Nevertheless, the JALB persevered and was well received by the crowd. A special thanks to the Gardner American Legion for sponsoring the band for this event. It seems we may have made a positive impression as a return appearance in 2025 is pending.

Credit goes to band member Dave Schoeneck (Trumpet) for landing this opportunity to present the sounds of the Joliet American Legion Band to the fine folks of the South Wilmington area. Join us in the VFW Park THIS Sunday at 3pm. And pray for cool/dry weather!

Want to see how Director Mike Fiske and the Joliet American Legion Band prepare for national competition? Stop in at American Legion Post #1080 on Ingalls Avenue NEXT Thursday August 8th (7pm - 9pm). Due to a scheduling conflict at our usual rehearsal location (Crossroads Christian Church), Post #1080 has graciously agreed to host this additional rehearsal. We greatly appreciate our friends at Post #1080 and Crossroads Christian Church for their ongoing support of the band!

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We often field inquiries asking for information on how to donate to the band. For those who appreciate the convenience of an on-line transaction, simply visit our web-site: jolietamericanlegionband.com and follow the instructions on the "DONATE" tab. You will almost immediately receive a receipt via e-mail acknowledging your contribution to the band.
If you would prefer, you can mail your donation to: P.O. Box 2371 Joliet, IL 60434
Please make checks payable to: Joliet American Legion Band and mark "Donation" in the memo line. The band Secretary will acknowledge your donation via e-mail or via a thank-you letter sent to the physical address provided. If you do not receive a "Thank You" following a mailed-in donation, please do not hesitate to follow-up with us as we may not have received your donation. Our e-mail address is [email protected]. Thank you for your continued support of the JALB!

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The Joliet American Legion Band was privileged to be a part of "Veteran's Night" at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theatre last night. Veterans in the audience were asked to come forward and be recognized for their service to our country as the band performed "Armed Forces Salute". Members of the band who also served were recognized as well. The highlight of the evening was a special presentation to WWII Veteran Joseph Belman (age 100) for his actions in (35) missions as a ball turret gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress. It was relayed that during one of those missions Joe's plane was struck by German flak causing shrapnel to pierce through the side of the aircraft, pe*****te through the pocket of Joe's flight jacket and lodge itself within the partially frozen orange he carried in his pocket. In addition to being presented with a collection of coins and stamps that were minted or printed while he was overseas, Joe also received a juicy orange to symbolize the orange that may have saved his life. The JALB is always pleased to honor our nation's heroes!

Our "guest conductors" (J.L. Bird and Spikes) in action prior to the Slammers game this past Saturday. Sweatin' to the oldies - John Philip Sousa style!

Join us for Veteran's Night THIS THURSDAY at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theatre. Bring your favorite VETERAN for a night that surely won't disappoint! The band will take the stage at about 7:30pm.

Luke Weimar left last night's Joliet Slammers vs. Ottawa Titans game with his pockets a little deeper after winning $1,434.00 in the 50/50 raffle. Luke said the money will come in handy as he prepares for his upcoming wedding. Congratulations Luke! Here he is pictured with clarinetist Erin (Picha) Engelman who sold him his ticket to the ball game. The JALB is extremely grateful to all of our fans who purchased tickets to the game and/or raffle tickets from the band members. Special thanks to the front office of the Joliet Slammers for providing the JALB with this unique fundraising opportunity and to Lauri Marco Bank for putting the ball in play. And kudos to Jamie Huckstep Citarelli for hitting it out of the park as she sang "Oh Canada" in her vocal debut with the JALB. A fun time was had by all and we look forward to the possibility of doing this again in the future.

Take me out to the ball game..... Yes, it's JALB night at the Slammers game TONIGHT! Pre-game with us as we provide a stand-up concert outside the ballpark at 5pm. We'll perform/sing the National anthems on the field at 5:55 before a game time of 6:05. And don't forget, the band will receive a portion of the proceeds from tonight's 50/50 raffle. Some friendly bandsmen will be on hand to sell you that winning raffle ticket. Your continued support of the JALB is ALWAYS appreciated!

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Last night's crowd at the New Lenox Village Commons was treated to a fabulous patriotic themed concert presented by the 39-time National Champion Joliet American Legion Band (Yes, we're boasting!) followed by a spectacular fireworks display courtesy of the Village of New Lenox. (photo courtesy of Loral Nippa Czerkies)

It's a busy month for the all-volunteer Joliet American Legion Band!
- July 4th - Pre-Fireworks Concert (New Lenox Village Commons)
- July 6th - Band Night at the Joliet Slammers Game (pre-game music at 5:00pm with National anthems performed/sung on field at 5:55pm). First pitch 6:05pm.
- July 11th - Veteran's Night at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theatre - Concerts on the Hill. Bring YOUR favorite Veteran! We'll follow the "Sweet Adelines" and take the stage at approximately 7:30pm.
- July 13th - Concert at American Legion Department of IL annual convention in Springfield (Noon)
- July 28th - Concert at VFW Park in South Wilmington (3pm)
And of course, Tuesday night rehearsals from 7pm-9pm. Soon we will be rehearsing two nights a week as we prepare for the National contest in New Orleans on 8/24. Hope to see you in the crowd sometime this month. YOUR presence is OUR motivation!

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Join us in celebrating our nation's independence with a celebration in the New Lenox Village Commons (145-199 Veterans Parkway)! Don't miss a performance by Midlife Crisis as they take the stage from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Following Midlife Crisis will be the JOLIET AMERICAN LEGION BAND to lead into the fireworks display with patriotic tunes. The fireworks display will take place at dusk (approximately 9:15 p.m.).

JALB NIGHT AT THE SLAMMERS (SATURDAY, JULY 6) UPDATE:
Come on out and "pre-game" with the JALB as the Band welcomes the Slammers' fans with a musical prelude outside the ball park beginning at approximately 5pm. At 5:55pm, the band will take the field to perform the "Star-Spangled Banner" with vocals by Terry Arient [trumpet] and "O Canada" with vocals by Jamie Huckstep Citarelli [alto saxophone]. First pitch is 6:05pm. Don't delay in contacting your favorite band member to obtain a $10.00 ticket in support of the Band.
NOTE: Tickets not purchased through a band member will be at regular box office rates. The band does not benefit from tickets acquired at the gate. The band will be receiving a portion of the evening's 50/50 raffle income.
Reminder - the first 1,500 fans through the gate will receive a BILL MURRAY bobblehead. Hope to see you at the game!

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JUST ANNOUNCED - the first 1,500 fans to attend JALB night at the Slammers game on Saturday, July 6th (6:05pm game) will receive a BILL MURRAY bobblehead. Information courtesy of WJOL in an on-air interview with Night Train Veeck. Makes one think that Bill Murray might make an appearance that night?

On this day in particular, please proudly display OUR flag.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all those who "chickened out" last night at the White Fence Farm. Your support of the JALB is greatly appreciated! A special thanks to euphonium player Kathy Rourke Hulina for coordinating this event.

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The Joliet American Legion Band enjoyed kicking off the 50th season of the "Concerts on the Hill" series at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theatre last night. A special tribute was played to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Director Mike Fiske and Associate Director Dr. Jim Kreuz led the band in a night that was enjoyed by all. Join us again on July 11th for "Veterans Night" at the Park.

JALB NIGHT AT THE SLAMMERS GAME - SATURDAY JULY 6TH!
Join the members of the Joliet American Legion Band for a night of fun at the ball park as the Slammers take on the Ottawa Titans. Game time is 6:05p.m. Tickets are just $10.00. For each ticket sold by a band member, the Band will receive $5.00 in return. The Band will perform the National Anthem, the Canadian Anthem and another number T.B.D. Band members will also be roaming the park to entice you to participate in the 50/50 raffle, which the band will get a percentage of. Help support the JALB while enjoying America's favorite pastime.
LET YOUR FAVORITE BAND MEMBER KNOW HOW MANY TICKETS YOU WOULD LIKE!