Annual concert celebrates St. Charles teen’s legacy through music and scholarships
The St. Charles community will celebrate music, unity, and hope as the 24th annual Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Concert on Thursday, May 21, kicks off the summer concert series in Lincoln Park.
The free concert celebrates the life of the 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.
The concert will be 7 to 9 p.m. at the park, off Main and Fourth streets in downtown St. Charles.
Tyler devoted countless hours to the betterment of his high school and community. He had dreams for the future. Once such dream has become a reality over the past 24 years, with the help of many dedicated individuals from the St. Charles Park District and representatives from both St. Charles high schools.
Tyler was one of the original high school representatives on the Downtown St. Charles Partnership 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 last 24 years.
Gabriela Paladino, the St. Charles East High School representative, said, “Watching this concert bring people together through music is truly inspiring. Honoring Tyler is such a privilege, and I cannot wait to hear some amazing music in honoring Tyler’s legacy!”
Many local musicians and vocalists will be showcased at this year’s event. The 2026 Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Scholarship recipients from both high schools will be introduced on stage.
A total of 81 scholarships have been awarded to date from Tyler’s fund. The St. Charles North High School representative, Adelaide Shaw, explains, “It is truly an honor to help plan this year’s concert in memory of Tyler. This event is such a special way to bring the community together through music and celebrate the impact he made in St. Charles. I am excited to be a part of continuing his legacy and recognizing the scholarship recipients who carry that spirit forward!”
The concert is free to the public. Monetary contributions can be made to benefit the scholarship fund at St. Charles East High School, 1020 Dunham Road, St. Charles, IL 60174. Checks should be written to the high school with a notation that the contribution is for the Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The Caruso family extends a special thank you to the St. Charles Park District and RJ Recording & Sound for their contributions in making this a successful event year after year. For more information, call (630) 513-6200 or visit tylerbrettcaruso.com.