GODFREY — The New Horizons Band of Godfrey will honor military veterans with two concerts Nov. 14 and 15, 2026, at the McNicholas Club, with proceeds benefiting the USO James S. McDonnell Center at Lambert International Airport.
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The band’s 2026 Salute to Veterans Concert will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Godfrey KC’s McNicholas Club, 1713 Stamper Lane. Doors will open one hour before each performance.
Admission is $15 at the door and free for veterans and children 12 and younger.
The Veterans Day program will celebrate veterans who have served in the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. All veterans attending will be recognized during “Armed Forces: The Pride of America,” a medley combining military branch anthems. The band also will perform the U.S. Space Force service anthem, “Semper Supra — Space Force Song.”
Featured performers include trumpet soloists Kevin Dvorak, playing “Star Dust,” and Kevin Knipping, performing “Saint Louis Blues.” Julie McPike will sing “Blue Moon,” and Carol Patterson will provide vocals for “God Bless America.”
Stanley Chytil, who has directed the band since its founding in 1998, will lead the performances. New assistant director Sandra Andrick will conduct several selections.
Andrick holds a bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education from Missouri State University and a master’s degree in communications from Webster University. She has served as band director at Pruitt Military Academy and Carr Lane Visual and Performing Arts Middle School in St. Louis and taught band in the Ferguson-Florissant School District. A trombonist, she also has performed with the Alton Municipal Band.
The concerts will include a 50/50 raffle and a basket raffle. A limited food menu, desserts, beverages and a cash bar will be available.
The nonprofit band has more than 40 musicians, including several veterans, and many members are older than 50. Its repertoire includes big band and popular music. The group offers adult community members opportunities to continue playing instruments, develop musical skills and build friendships.
The band rehearses at 5 p.m. Mondays at the KC Hall in Godfrey and is a member of the New Horizon International Music Association.
Those unable to attend may send donations to New Horizons Band of Godfrey, P.O. Box 42, Godfrey, IL 62035. For information, email nhbgodfrey@gmail.com.
