15th annual Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Concert returns June 1
The St. Charles community will celebrate music, unity and hope as the 15th 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 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 1, 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 15 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 partnership 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 15 years. This year's St. Charles East High School representative, Neal Shah, says about this year's concert, "The Tyler Caruso concert shows how connected St. Charles truly is. I've witnessed the entire city come together to celebrate the memory and legacy that Tyler left."
Many local musicians and vocalists will be showcased at this year's event. The 2017 Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Scholarship recipients from both high schools will be introduced on stage. A total of 43 scholarships have been awarded from Tyler's fund. The St. Charles North High School representative, Hannah Smiley, explains, "Students at both schools are excited to come together for a night to share laughter and great music. It's been a pleasure and honor working on this concert."
The concert is free to the public. Monetary contributions can be made to benefit the scholarship fund (Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Charles East High School, 1020 Dunham Road, St. Charles, IL 60174).
The Caruso family extends a special thank you to the St. Charles Park District, R/J Recording & Sound, and Onesti Entertainment for their contributions in making this a successful event year after year.
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 www.tylerbrettcaruso.com.