Hear stage favorites from Naperville Men’s Glee Club

The Naperville Men’s Glee Club is preparing for the summer concert “Under the Stars” on Thursday, Aug. 22, at the Municipal Band Shell in Central Park at 104 E. Benton St. in downtown Naperville.

The Glee Club, created by founder Bonnie Roberts over 37 years ago, continues today under the leadership of artistic director John P. Rakes.

“Under the Stars” will feature the Glee Club and a special surprise performance by an a cappella guest performance group from the 2024 “Harmony Sweepstakes” competition along with various solo acts.

The theme of this year’s summer concert is “Music of the Stage.” It will showcase musical numbers from opera to Broadway music.

Since the initial gathering of 22 men for the first rehearsal of the Naperville Men’s Glee Club in 1988 to today the group presents concerts in the spring, summer and during the Christmas season with “Christmas Presence” a concert for the entire family. This year’s holiday concert will be on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1310 Shepherd Drive in Naperville.

The Naperville Men’s Glee Club has a rich performance history, having been invited to sing the national anthem for the Chicago White Sox. They also perform at the annual Marine Corps Ball in Naperville commemorating the birthday of the Marine Corps, an invitation that has recurred for the past 30 years.

The club is proud of its heritage and has celebrated notable anniversaries with trips out of the area. They have performed in St. Louis, New York City (Lincoln Center), Boston’s Old North Church, and Washington D.C., performing at The Kennedy Center, the National Cathedral and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Glee Club maintains a special relationship with collegiate glee clubs, including University of Illinois, Purdue, Notre Dame, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Miami of Ohio, Penn State, and Ohio State.

The Naperville Men also have collaborated on concerts with the U.S. Naval Academy Men’s Glee Club and numerous area high school singers.

The club always welcomes new voices of male singers age 18 or older.

They rehearse every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Church of the Brethren at 1020 W. Jefferson St. in Naperville.

The Glee Club offers annual or seasonal memberships to accommodate all schedules. The Naperville Men’s Glee Club has become a cornerstone in the community and a lasting legacy of song.

Concert schedules and membership information are posted at nmgc.org.