A new chapter in Central Illinois’ musical tradition began Sunday evening as the Pekin Park Concert Band kicked off its 98th summer season with the debut performance at the brand-new Steven D. Skinner Performing Arts Venue in Mineral Springs Park.

The inaugural concert was a momentous one, not only marking the start of another vibrant summer series but also celebrating the dedication of the venue to a man who has become synonymous with the band itself: Delavan native Steve Skinner, who has conducted the ensemble for an extraordinary 32 years.

Revered throughout the region as a musical living legend, Skinner took the baton, leading the 38-member band through a spirited program of classic marches, show tunes, and crowd-pleasing themes from stage and screen. The evening was a stirring tribute to decades of dedication, not just from Skinner, but from the many musicians and community members who’ve supported the band since its founding in 1927.

The new open-air venue—constructed with the help of generous contributions from individuals, civic organizations, and music lovers—features an enhanced stage, updated acoustics, and modern amenities designed to elevate the audience and performer experience alike. The setting itself was serene, tucked beneath towering shade trees with a shimmering lagoon glinting in the evening sun just behind the stage—an idyllic backdrop for the music that filled the summer air.

Humble as ever, Skinner reflected, “I never dreamed I would ever have anything named after me,” before modestly steering the conversation back to the new venue. “The acoustics are going to help us a lot,” he noted. “We couldn't hear ourselves before. Not very well.” Seated proudly in the front row were his wife, Liz, and son, Matthew, who flew in to attend the special occasion—watching on as Skinner conducted the band in his newly dedicated namesake venue.

Just two days later, the band performed again—this time back in Skinner’s hometown of Delavan, where excessive heat prompted a change of venue from Veterans Park to the air-conditioned Fellowship Hall of the United Methodist Church. Despite the switch, the music carried on without missing a beat, offering another vibrant evening of community and song. In honor of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations, the concert featured a variety of patriotic favorites, stirring the crowd with familiar anthems and tributes to American spirit.

Despite the fanfare, Skinner isn’t slowing down—he’ll be back on the podium in Metamora on Friday, June 27, leading a band that includes several of the same musicians from the Pekin Park Concert Band, before resuming the regular concert series with the Pekin Park Concert Band.

Through decades of performances under open skies and packed halls, Steve Skinner’s music has touched the lives of countless individuals—from band members who have learned under his direction to generations of concertgoers uplifted by the joy of live music. His legacy resonates far beyond the notes on the page. In Delavan, pride runs deep. Residents speak with admiration of his unwavering commitment and the lasting impact he’s had on the local and regional music scene. Skinner’s baton doesn’t just lead a band—it brings a community together.