Get in the holiday spirit, help the homeless with concert on Dec. 19

The ticket “price” for the Joliet American Legion Band’s annual holiday concert is a “generous donation” of non-perishable food items or paper/hygiene products, according to a news release from the band.

These items will be donated to Daybreak Center, which serves Joliet’s homeless population. Monetary donations are also accepted, the release said.

The Joliet American Legion Band’s annual “Sounds of Christmas” concert will start at 2 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St. in Joliet. Doors open at 1 p.m.

Michael Weirman will direct the United Methodist Church of New Lenox’s bell choir in the rotunda prior to the concert and during intermission, the release said.

Mike Fiske will conduct the band’s musical sections. In addition, assistant directors Rick Ellenberger [a retired Army major], Jill Kohler and Jim Kreuz “will also each take the podium,” the release said.

The band’s clarinet player Gary Picha will emcee. Kathy Haldorson Boyer will be the guest vocalist.

Purchase “tickets” for the concert at the Rialto Square Theatre during the following times: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 15 and Dec. 17; and at the door before the concert begins, when the doors open at 1 p.m.

For information, visit jolietlegionband.org.