Caruso memorial concert returns to St. Charles
The St. Charles community will celebrate music, unity, and hope as the 14th annual Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Concert kicks off the summer concert series in Lincoln Park, between Fourth and Fifth streets in downtown St. Charles.
The free concert, scheduled from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, June 2, 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 14 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 the St. Charles High Schools 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 to celebrate Tyler's many accomplishments and the success of his concert over the past 14 years.
"Tyler's impact is still very present at St. Charles East and I can imagine the same is true for St. Charles North," said Ashley Cornille, this year's St. Charles East High School representative. "Seeing the community come together for a fun-filled night is really inspiring. Even though the high schools are divided by the river, St. Charles always comes together for this amazing cause. Working on this project has been an awesome opportunity."
Local musicians and vocalists will be showcased at this year's event. The 2016 Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Scholarship recipients from both high schools will be introduced on stage. A total of 39 scholarships have been awarded from Tyler's fund.
"Having the opportunity to be a part of this concert has been an honor," said Lucy Gruber, St. Charles North representative. "I am reminded of a great spirit that Tyler held close to his heart. It is always such a magical night with the two schools coming together to celebrate music, life, and community."
The concert is free, but donations are welcome. 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, 60174).
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Baker Community Center, 101 South Second Street, St. Charles. For details, call (630) 513-6200 or visit www.tylerbrettcaruso.com.