The Pekin Park Concert Band performs its final concert of the 98th season on Tuesday, August 5, in Veterans Park, Delavan—filling the summer air with music, memories, and heartfelt tributes beneath the evening sky.
Heartfelt Tributes and Historic Premiere
Concert Band Concludes 98th Season
The Pekin Park Concert Band brought its 98th season to a stirring close this month, capping off nearly a century of musical tradition with a series of emotional milestones, heartfelt dedications, and a once-in-a-lifetime world premiere. Despite a summer marked by unpredictable weather and shortened outdoor performances, the band’s final concert—held on Tuesday, August 5, in Veterans Park in Delavan—resonated with history, gratitude, and community spirit.
From Cigar Store Roots to Civic Legacy
The band’s journey began in 1927 as the Gehrig’s Cigar Store and 7th Regiment Band, a spirited ensemble that marched through Pekin’s streets with patriotic flair. Over the decades, it evolved into the Pekin Municipal Band and eventually, the Pekin Park Concert Band. Through changing times, the band remained a cultural cornerstone, offering free concerts that brought generations together in celebration of music and local pride.
A Season of Dedications
This summer’s performances were marked by three deeply meaningful tributes:
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Steven D. Skinner Performing Arts Venue Dedication: The Mineral Springs Park stage was officially named in honor of longtime director and music advocate Steven D. Skinner. The venue now stands as a beacon for future generations of performers and audiences alike.
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Tree Dedication for Saxophonist Keith Zimmerman: A sugar maple was planted near the bandstand to honor Zimmerman’s four decades of service and mentorship. His steady presence and warm spirit have shaped the band’s sound and soul.
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World Premiere of “Living Legacy”: Composer Robert Sheldon conducted the debut of his new work, written in honor of Lawrence Fogelberg—former longtime director of the Pekin Municipal Band and father of singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg. The piece was dedicated to band directors past, present, and future.
“Living Legacy”: A Concert of a Lifetime
The premiere of Living Legacy was more than a musical event—it was a homecoming. Many current band members had once played under Lawrence Fogelberg’s baton, and the performance became a powerful tribute to his influence and memory.
Director Steve Skinner and Band President Connie Moser expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to present the world premiere. “It was an emotional and sentimental journey,” the band shared in a statement. “Many of us were students in Mr. Fogelberg’s bands over the years. This concert was emotional—remembering him and all he did for us during our years of playing music with him.”
Robert Sheldon’s composition, commissioned by the Fogelberg Foundation of Peoria, brought together communities from across the region. Foundation leaders Eric Mills, Hugh Higgins, and Joyce Young were instrumental in making the dream a reality. As Sheldon raised his baton, the audience fell silent, and the music unfolded in three movements that honored mentorship, memory, and musical legacy.
The final notes of Living Legacy were met with a standing ovation, tears, and quiet reflection. “It was the concert of a lifetime,” the band said. “We are so grateful we were all there and part of it.”
Weathering the Storms
While the season was rich in meaning, it was not without its challenges. Extreme weather—including dangerously high temperatures and sudden thunderstorms—forced the cancellation or relocation of several outdoor performances. Concerts at Veterans Parks were particularly affected.
“Safety must come first,” said Director Skinner. “Our fans stuck with us. Their support kept us going.”
A Grand Finale in Delavan
The final concert of the season, held on Tuesday, August 5, in Veterans Park in Delavan, offered a fitting close to a summer of remembrance and celebration. Surrounded by the warmth of a small-town crowd and the echoes of shared history, the band delivered a performance that honored its roots while looking ahead to the future.
Looking Ahead
For now, the echoes of Living Legacy and the memories forged this summer will linger in the hearts of those who gathered under the trees, the shelter, and the stars. The Pekin Park Concert Band has once again proven that music—rooted in history and lifted by community—can weather any storm and leave a lasting legacy.
