17th annual Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Concert kicks off summer concert series
The St. Charles community will celebrate music, unity, and hope as the 17th 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 7-9 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 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 17 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 DSCP 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 seventeen years.
"The idea that this is not about St. Charles East or St. Charles North is phenomenal," said St. Charles East High School representative, Sean Yetter. "This event is about honoring a former member of our community and thanking the community for keeping his memory alive. It has been such an honor to be able to help put this together."
Many local musicians and vocalists will be showcased at this year's event. The 2019 Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Scholarship recipients from both high schools will be introduced on stage. A total of 51 scholarships have been awarded from Tyler's fund.
The St. Charles North High School representative, Heather Tustin, explains, "I have loved putting this event together to honor Tyler. I believe this concert brings people together for a great cause and allows them to enjoy an amazing night with talented musicians. I can't wait to be a part of it."
The concert is free. Donations 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).
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Baker Community Center, 101 South Second St., St. Charles. For more information, call (630) 513-6200 or visit www.tylerbrettcaruso.com.