Caruso Memorial Concert set for Thursday in St. Charles
The St. Charles community will celebrate music, unity, and hope as the 12th annual Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Concert kicks off the summer concert series in Lincoln Park, between 4th and 5th streets in downtown St. Charles.
The free concert, scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 29, will celebrate the life of Tyler Caruso, a St. Charles East High School student leader, musician, athlete, and community activist who died unexpectedly of cardiac arrest on July 14, 2002, at the age of 17.
Tyler devoted countless hours to the betterment of his high school and community. He had dreams for the future. One such dream has become a reality over the past 12 years, with the help of many dedicated individuals from the St. Charles Park District and high school representatives on the board of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership.
Tyler was one of the original high school representatives on the DSCP board. He had the idea to bring the community together for an evening of music and friendship soon after St. Charles High School split into St. Charles East and St. Charles North High Schools. Tyler's untimely death preceded the first of many annual concerts held in his honor.
Family and friends will, once again, come together this month to celebrate Tyler's many accomplishments and the success of his concert over the past 12 years.
"The memorial concert for Tyler has a special place in my heart," said Jasper Koenen of St. Charles East High School. "This event is so important to the St. Charles community because of the impact Tyler had and that is why being a part is so special."
Many local musicians and vocalists will be showcased at this year's event. The 2014 Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Scholarship recipients from both high schools will be introduced onstage. A total of 34 scholarships have been awarded from Tyler's fund.
The concert is free to the public. Monetary contributions can be made to benefit the scholarship fund (Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Charles East High School, 1020 Dunham Road, St. Charles, IL 60174).
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Arcada Theatre, 105 East Main St., St. Charles. For details, call (630) 513-6200 or visit tylerbrettcaruso.com.