16th annual Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Concert returns May 31
The St. Charles community will celebrate music, unity, and hope as the 16th 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, May 31, 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 16 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 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 to celebrate Tyler's many accomplishments and the success of his concert over the last 16 years.
"Working on this event has been a privilege," said Daniel Maisch, this year's St. Charles East High School representative. "Not only does it memorialize a community member, but it shows how the St. Charles high schools are able to dismiss the rivalry for a night of celebration and unity."
Many local musicians and vocalists will be showcased at this year's event. The 2018 Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Scholarship recipients from both high schools will be introduced on stage. A total of 46 scholarships have been awarded from Tyler's fund. The St. Charles North High School representative, Hannah Smiley, explains,
"As my second year helping to plan this event, it has proved to be even more meaningful for me and has been a privilege and joy to work on," said Hannah Smiley, the St. Charles North representative. "I am looking forward to yet another amazing concert and opportunity to bring our community together."
The concert is free. Contributions can be made to benefit the scholarship fund at 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 Baker Community Center, 101 S. Second St., St. Charles. For information, call (630) 513-6200 or visit the website www.tylerbrettcaruso.com.