McHENRY – Before the McHenry City Band "swings into summer" Thursday evening, a dedication ceremony will name the band shell after the former city band director.
The McHenry City Council voted unanimously in May to approve an application submitted by the children of Bob "Beef" Freund to have the band shell named after him.
Freund, a McHenry native, performed in the McHenry City Band for 56 years and was its band director for 13 years, according to city documents. His own musical groups include the Fireball 8 Dixieland Band.
Due to physical limitations, Freund no longer is performing.
Freund also served in the U.S. Marine Corps and is an active member of the McHenry Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4600.
The dedication will start at 7 p.m. Thursday. A sign will be installed highlighting Freund's contributions.
The concert will follow at 7:30 p.m., kicking off the city band's summer season. The theme is "Swing into Summer."
Concerts are planned for 7:30 p.m. each Thursday and are preceded by a farmers market at Veterans Memorial Park. The market opens at 4 p.m.
The final concert is scheduled for Aug. 8.