June 13, 2007

Music festival to entertain Marion, accompany fireworks

by Andrea Hahn

 

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois Music Festival, sponsored by Southern Illinois University Carbondale, brings two concerts to Marion this summer.

First up is Klassics for Kids on June 21 at the Marion Civic Center, where a wind quintet will help introduce children up to 8 years old to classical music. The free, interactive program is a mainstay during the music festival. Edward Benyas, SIUC music professor, conductor of the Chicago Chamber Orchestra and the festival's founder and artistic director, said musical education is a major component of the festival. Bringing classical, chamber and jazz music into the communities surrounding SIUC makes it easier for more families to enjoy the music festival without traveling far.

On July 1, the festival takes to the field in an exciting event sponsored by SIUC, the Southern Illinois Miners and WSIL-TV Channel 3. The new Rent One Park, home of the Southern Illinois Miners, hosts an all-American musical program and synchronized firework display. The musical performance is the first non-baseball event at the new field. Miners Chief Operating Officer Erik Haag said it is the first of many such activities planned.

For more information about Pops at the Park, contact the Southern Illinois Miners, Mike Lockert, at 618/998-8499.

For more information about the Southern Illinois Music Festival or for a complete listing of events, call 618/53-MUSIC or 618/453-2776 or log onto www.SIFest.com.

Here is the Marion schedule of events:

Thursday, June 21

Klassics for Kids (up to 8 years old)

4 p.m., Marion Civic Center

Wind quintet

Sunday, July 1

Pops at the Park

8 p.m., Rent One Park, Marion

All-American program features: The National Anthem; John Williams: Music from "Star Wars" and "The Cowboys;" Music from "Pirates of the Caribbean;" Boston Americans March; "America the Beautiful" (with chorus); Armed Forces Salute (with chorus); Copland: "Fanfare for the Common Man;" Andrews Sisters medley; Gershwin: "Rhapsody in Blue" with Junghwa Lee, piano; "Stars and Stripes Forever," synchronized to fireworks.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for pre-concert music. Call 618/998-8499 for tickets. Ticket prices are $10, $12 and $15. Infield tables for eight available; call for more information.

Rain date: July 2