21st annual Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Concert kicks off summer concert series
The St. Charles community will celebrate music, unity, and hope as the 21st annual Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Concert kicks off the summer concert series on Thursday, May 25, in Lincoln Park in downtown St. Charles.
The free concert, scheduled from 7-9 p.m., 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. Once such dream has become a reality over the past 20 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 20 years. The St. Charles East High School representative, Taylor Ditsworth, says about this year's concert, "I am so honored to be a part of this iconic event, and I'm thankful for the musicians, organizers, and attendees who are helping keep the Caruso's message alive."
Many local musicians and vocalists will be showcased at this year's event.
The 2023 Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Scholarship recipients from both high schools will be introduced on stage.
A total of 67 scholarships have been awarded to date from Tyler's fund.
The St. Charles North High School representative, Simran Mani, explains, "Planning this concert to honor Tyler's memory has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. Bringing the community together for this event is an amazing way to honor the students for the scholarship and this 21st anniversary concert will be a great celebration of Tyler's life and legacy."
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. Please indicate the contribution is for the Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Lincoln Park is off Main Street, between Fourth and Fifth streets.
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 the website www.tylerbrettcaruso.com.