Special guest joins Arlington Heights concert band for final summer event
The Arlington Heights Community Concert Band will perform its final summer concert Wednesday, Aug. 4, at North School Park, 307 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights. The concert starts at 7 p.m.; lawn space fills up quickly, so bring your chairs and blankets early.
This concert will continue the "catch up" theme of the first two concerts with holiday and patriotic music, plus a musical surprise. The highlight of the evening will be the band performing with its special guest, Eddie Korosa, Jr., as he plays his accordion to a medley of polka music.
Korosa has celebrated more than 50 years of polka entertainment, playing his accordion at Navy Pier in Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry's "Christmas Around the World" and even at The Arlington Million. Visit his website at www.eddiekorosajr.com.
This will be the final concert by artistic and music director Mike Madonia as he moves forward on his musical journey.
Madonia has been with the band since 2016, and has truly raised the bar for community band performances. He has always been meticulous about song selection and creating a quality musical sound.
Madonia has selected concert pieces that appeal to the audience. No obscure music, just traditional classics, marches, show tunes and toe-tapping music.
At the first rehearsal with Madonia as the new conductor, he told the band, "The talent is already established here ... I want to take the Arlington Heights Community Concert Band to the next level of performance."
He did just that.
The band, in partnership with District 214 Community Education, receives support from both the Arlington Heights Park District and the village of Arlington Heights.
The mission of the Arlington Heights Community Concert Band is to provide musical entertainment to the community; provide opportunities for community members to join and be part of a musical organization; provide for individual musical expression and growth; and to contribute to the community's music appreciation.
Rehearsals are held at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at Forest View Educational Center. New members are always welcome.
Information about the band is available at www.arlingtonheightsband.org.