DeKalb Muni Band

08/21/2026

Even though the DeKalb Municipal Band is finished with its 2026 summer music series in the band shell, that does not mean the band shell is done bringing you great entertainment!

Jazz enthusiasts and music lovers alike are invited to enjoy an evening of captivating melodies and rhythms as Jazz in Progress presents its annual free summer "Swingin' the Bandshell" concert. The concert will take place at the Dee Palmer Band Shell in Hopkins Park, located at 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, Illinois, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25.

This 18-piece community jazz band, which has been making music together in the area for over 13 years, promises a diverse program featuring classic jazz standards, beloved swing-era tunes and vibrant funk selections from the 1960s and '70s. The concert will also highlight the exceptional talents of several vocal and instrumental soloists from within the ensemble's ranks.

Jazz in Progress is more than just a musical group; it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Jazz in Progress was formed for musical, charitable and educational purposes to support its mission to advance the appreciation, performance and history of jazz music and its related genres. The band channels funds raised back into local community music programs. Beneficiaries include several area school districts such as DeKalb, Sycamore, Genoa-Kingston, Hinckley-Big Rock, Indian Creek, Sandwich, Somonauk, Earlville, Leland and St. Mary-DeKalb. The DeKalb County Community Foundation also receives support from Jazz in Progress.

This free concert offers a wonderful opportunity for families and individuals to experience the rich and engaging world of jazz music in a beautiful outdoor setting.

08/18/2026

We hope the rain holds off tomorrow for our Final Concert of 2026 featuring our guest vocal soloist, Zachary Harris. Zachary will be singing “Begin the Beguine,” “The Summer Wind,” and “Blue Moon.”

We will also feature trumpet soloist, Mark Baldin performing “Sandstone and Marble” and “Soliloquy for Trumpet.”

The band will perform “Fanfare for the Common Man,” “March from 1941,” “Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral,” and “Irish Washerwoman” among many others.

We hope to see you tonight in Hopkins Park at the Dee Palmer Band Shell at 7:30 PM for free music under to stars!

08/11/2026

Even though we don’t have sneak peak preview video for you, we do want to remind everyone that our guest vocal soloist will be Deanna Tausch who will be singing “Almost Like Being in Love” from “Brigadoon,” “Pure Imagination” from Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” and “For Good” from “Wicked.”

The band will perform “650 East March,” “Pixar Movie Magic,” “Amparito Roca,” and “Blackjack” among many others.

We hope to see you tonight in Hopkins Park at the Dee Palmer Band Shell at 7:30 PM for free music under to stars!

07/28/2026

Even though we don’t have sneak peak preview video for you, we do want to remind everyone that our guest vocal soloist will be Christine Montiero who will be singing “Hello, I Love the Boy,” “No More Blues,” and “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman.

We will also be featuring one of our trombonists on the solo, “Fantastic Polka.”

The band will perform “La La Land,” “Holiday for Winds,” and “Country Gardens” among many others.

We hope to see you tonight in Hopkins Park at the Dee Palmer Band Shell at 7:30 PM for free music under to stars!

07/27/2026

Due to the excessive heat warning, the chance of severe thunderstorms and for the safety of our musicians, our rehearsal this evening will be held in room 155 of the NIU music building

07/25/2026

Here's a lovely ballad to enjoy on this lovely summer day featuring Maureen Christine from our July 14, 2026 concert.

Join us Tuesday, July 28 at 7:30 pm for our next concert at Dee Palmer Bandshell in Hopkins Park, featuring vocal soloist, Christine Monteiro. Join us for fabulous music under the stars!



https://youtu.be/HpHdGnuPaXA?feature=shared

07/21/2026

Here's a sneak peek of tonight's concert featuring Bethany Brewer as our vocal soloist. Bethany will be singing "Reflection" from Mulan, "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les. Miserables, and "Being Alive" from Company.

Selections from the band will include "Fantasy Adventure at the Movies," "Midway March," "Pirates of the Caribbean," and "Raiders March."

Join us for "A Tribute to the Movies" with free music under the stars! 🌟🎶

07/14/2026

Here's a sneak peek of tonight's concert featuring Maureen Christine as our vocal soloist. Maureen will be singing "The Days of Wine and Roses," "Skylark," and "Orange Colored Sky."

We will also feature our very own Brian Balika as our trumpet soloist playing "Dramatic Essay."

Selections from the band will include "Stand By March," "South Pacific," "Jersey Boys," and "Pizzacato Polka."

Join us for a night of free music under the stars! 🌟🎶

07/07/2026

On this Tuesday off for the DeKalb Municipal Band, click the link below to listen to this wonderful performance of last Tuesday night's vocal soloist, Jill McCormick.

Remember, although the DeKalb Municipal Band is taking a well deserved break tonight after that amazing America's 250th Anniversary Star Spangled Spectacular on July 4, there will still be music at the bandshell tonight!

Jazz in Progress will be performing TONIGHT in the shell at 7:30 pm!

Join us Tuesday, July 14 at 7:30 pm for our next concert at Dee Palmer Bandshell in Hopkins Park, featuring vocal soloist, Maureen Christine.

https://youtu.be/82jfpW8UtJk

For 172 years, the DeKalb Municipal Band has played on. Join us eac...