By Andrea Earnest | Bugle Staff
sweditor@buglenewspapers.com
@BugleNewspapers
The Joliet American Legion Band is holding its 33rd annual “Sounds of Christmas” concert Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet.
The band is sponsored by American Legion Post 1080.
Doors open at 1 p.m. for the concert, and admission cost is the donation of non-perishable food or paper projects.
Chairman of the band, Gary Picha, said that the items collected are then turned over to a local charity for distribution to those in need throughout the Joliet region.
“This year the band chose the Catholic Charities – Diocese of Joliet – Daybreak Center as the recipient charity,” Picha said.
The band hopes to be able to provide multiple trucks full of food to the charity. In its 33rd year, Picha said the concert has always been inspired by the same theme – to give back to the community.
Music played at the concert includes holiday classics incorporated into a variety of musical arrangements, and there is also a portion of the concert where the audience is invited to sing along as the band plays.
Picha added that the band will also play some crowd favorite marches.
“As a first this year, the Small Ensemble of the Joliet American Legion Band, featuring a brass octet, will provide pre-concert entertainment in the rotunda of the Rialto Theatre,” Picha added.
Tickets can be picked up in the Rialto Square Theatre foyer, and will also be available the day of the concert.
The band will have about 60 members perform, who range in age from 16 to 94. Nearly 1,150 people attended the concert last year.
“Ticket sales have been brisk so far this year, so we expect an even larger crowd on Dec. 13,” Picha said. For more information, contact JALBsecretary@comcast.net.