DeKalb Municipal Band sets season opener for June 8

DeKALB - The show must go on even entering a second season amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as the conductor for the DeKalb Municipal Band announced Thursday the band’s 167th season will begin June 8.

“It is with great pleasure and excitement I announce that the DeKalb Municipal Band will begin its 167th consecutive season of live music two months from today, June 8th, 2021,” said Kirk Lundbeck, director and director of the DeKalb Municipal Band in a statement.

The band has operated continuously for 167 seasons, and didn’t let the pandemic stop performances last year either, with concerts amended to follow public health protocol last summer.

“It is expected, at this point, to begin the season under the same pandemic rules we had to implement last season,” Lundbeck said. “We will again limit our band size slightly to create the proper social distancing for our band members and limit the size of our audience by creating a reservation system through dekalbcountytickets.com. As COVID guidelines are modified or reduced, we will adjust our band size and our available audience seating.”

A full schedule of concerts is expected to continue through Aug. 17, Lundbeck said, marking his ninth year as music director and 10th conducting “this wonderful group of talented musicians.”

The band puts on free outdoor concerts on Tuesdays throughout the summer at the Dee Palmer Bandshell at Hopkins Park. In his announcement Thursday, Lundbeck recalled his predecessor’s spirit headed into the next season.

“The beloved Dee Palmer is with us in spirit every week as we continue to raise the spirits of our very supportive audiences,” Lundbeck said. “It is with you support that we can continue the legacy of this musical icon for many years to come.”

Those wishing to support the band are invited to donate to the band through the website at www.dekalbmunicipalband.com.