Norris Center to host brass band tourney

Once again this year, the stirring sounds of brass instruments will be heard at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles on Saturday, Nov. 7 when the U.S. Open Brass Band Championships entertain audiences from all over the world.

Sponsored by Brass Bands International, this full-day invitational event features the finest British-style adult brass bands from seven states and Canada in the National Championship entertainment contest. Each of the nine bands will perform a 25-minute program of music and entertainment written and designed to show off their musical skills as well as their creativity.

Three internationally recognized adjudicators will carefully evaluate each performance for its musicality and entertainment qualities, with special awards of trophies and cash for both individual and group achievement. Frank Renton from the BBC in London will again serve as the emcee for the day, as he has for the past six years of the event.

"The U.S. Open is once again pleased to bring this event to the beautiful city of St. Charles and the world-class acoustic environment of the Norris Cultural Arts Center. The wonderful support of the music department of St. Charles East High School as well as Jenny O'Brien and the St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau, have all added so much to this event for both sponsors and participants," said Clark Niermeyer, president of Brass Bands International.

"The U.S. Open Brass Brand Championships are a terrific addition to the extensive array of special events in the city of St. Charles," said Amy Egolf, executive director of the St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau.

In addition to the Saturday event, a special preview of small ensembles, known as Buskers, will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6 at Real Time Sports Bar on Randall Road in St. Charles. Norris Cultural Arts Center is at 1040 Dunham Road in St. Charles.

All events are open to the public and audiences come from all over the United States, Canada and Great Britain to attend. Information on tickets for the competition, as well as a list of competing bands, times and housing options can be found at www.usopenbrass.org or by calling Brass Bands International at (847) 398-1732.

For more information regarding the bureau's marketing and sales activities, call (630) 377-6161 or (800) 777-4373 or visit visitstcharles.com.