DuPage Symphony brings a little 'Christmas in July' this weekend

The DuPage Symphony Orchestra is performing their first performance at Reed-Keppler Park in West Chicago as part of the "Christmas in July" festival.

The festivities, sponsored by the West Chicago Park District and the City of West Chicago, take place from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 24.

It will include a variety of family-friendly activities, entertainment, sweets and treats and, of course, Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus.

Admission is free and open to the public. The Shell is located in Reed-Keppler Park, 129 W. National St. in West Chicago.

ZAZZ, the acclaimed jazz combo made up of DuPage Symphony musicians and known throughout the Western suburbs, will perform an array of holiday favorites from 4 to 5 p.m. Their one-hour program will feature original arrangements of seasonal fare for clarinet, saxophone, vocals, keyboard, bass, and drums.

It will be followed by the DuPage Symphony Orchestra, conducted by music director Barbara Schubert, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Full-orchestra medleys such as "A Most Wonderful Christmas," "The Bells of Christmas," "Around the World at Christmas," and "Christmas on Broadway" will showcase many of your favorite holiday tunes.

Clever arrangements such as "A Mad Russian's Christmas" and "Jingle Bells Forever" will bring a new take on some familiar melodies. And no matter what the weather, the symphony will bring you thoughts of a "White Christmas," "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire," and a traditional holiday "Sleigh Ride" as part of its 75-minute program.

The symphony's appearance at the event is part of their newly launched partnership with the City of West Chicago to establish a long-term, collaborative relationship.

As a Community Partner, the DuPage Symphony Orchestra will work with city agencies and organizations to bring music in a variety of formats, offer diversity in programs, and enhance educational offerings.

As part of "Christmas in July," enjoy iceless skating, fake snow, crafts and games from 3 to 7 p.m., and photos with Santa from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

United Methodist Church will be caroling from 3 to 4 p.m. Get some treats from Jimmy's Italian Ice, Sugar Mama's Mini-Donuts, and Santa Barbara's Taco Truck.

For more information on the "Christmas in July" event, visit www.we-goparks.org.

To learn more about the DuPage Symphony Orchestra and its upcoming programs, visit www.dupagesymphony.org.