The July 21st Music at the Mansion concert will pay tribute to the former DeKalb mayor who passed away this past February. Bessie Chronopoulos is a former DeKalb mayor and long-time community activist that died on February 21, 2021. Chronopoulos was 72.and began her career as a teacher in Genoa-Kingston schools for more than 35 years. She served on DeKalb City Council for decades before she was elected mayor in 1997.
The July 21st concert coincides with Bessie’s birthday. Mutual friend Patti Thompson Perkins suggested honoring Chronopoulos as there was no formal event to acknowledge her accomplishments. “I was happy to accommodate this request as Bessie cared a lot about the community and attended many of the past Music at the Mansion concerts,” commented Michael Embrey, Music at the Mansion show producer. “Bessie’s five loves included teaching, her Greek heritage, her church, her pets, and the City of DeKalb.”
This concert will be the ”Margaritaville at the Mansion” tribute show featuring members of the “Mr. Myers Band”. Mr. Myers plays “Caribbean Rock”- a mixture of Reggae, Calypso, Jimmy Buffett/Beach music, and their unique soaring harmonies and instrumentation bring the island songs in a more modern yet traditional style. The band pride itself on audience interaction and features selections that will please audiences. Todd Donnelly is the leader and founder of the band Mr. Myers, which is celebrating their 40th Anniversary as a group. Their NEW Album “TROPICAL EXISTENCE” is now available on iTunes and Amazon. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the music. The main show act starts at 7:00 PM
Opening Act will feature an extremely talented flute ensemble, The Crosswinds Flute Choir. Lynn Hansen is the founder and director of Crosswinds Flute Choir, made up of students and adults who love playing the flute together; and she is director of the handbell choir at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. The opening act starts at 6:30 PM.
These concerts offer some of northern Illinois’ best entertainment, Ravinia style without the drive. There will be refreshments available to purchase. A nice selection of craft beers and wines to purchase hosted by Fatty’s Pub and Grille in DeKalb. There will be an opportunity to purchase food from Big D’s Hotdogs.
These concerts are free and are very family-friendly. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the show. Parking is available near the Ellwood Mansion (off Linden Place) as well as the Clinton Rosette school and Congregational United Church of Christ parking lots.
The July 21st concert will also be honoring the local organization ‘Opportunity House’.
Music at the Mansion summer concert series is sponsored by: ‘The Irving Family Foundation’. The July 21st concert is sponsored in-part by: Katherine Gannon Real Estate.
All concerts are sponsored and paid for by local businesses, organizations, and families to provide free entertainment and make DeKalb that little ‘Paradise in the Country’.
Music at the Mansion is a community entertainment project and is supported by DeKalb Park District, Ellwood House Association, City of DeKalb, and FunME Events.
For more information contact:
Ellwood House – Brian Reis – 815-756-4609 or FunME Events – Michael Embrey – 815-756-1263 Ellwood Mansion – 509 North First Street – DeKalb, IL
Pre-show events: 6:30 – Main Show 7:00 PM
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