ALTON - First Presbyterian Church will host the first concert in its “Music at the Riverbend” series this weekend.
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At 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, community members can gather at First Presbyterian for “An Autumn Serenade,” a free concert featuring musicians from across the region. The church will host several concerts throughout the next few months. Music Director Mark Brooks is looking forward to kicking off the experience on Sunday.
“We’re really excited about people getting a chance to see the beauty of the First Presbyterian Church and to listen to music in that venue,” Brooks said. “It has great acoustics, a great sound system. We’re just looking forward to having a great time.”
Oboist Dawn Stryker will perform alongside pianist Cheryl Walker. St. Louis Symphony Orchestra members Eva Kozma, Alvin McCall, and Xi Zhang will perform a variety of string trios. The First Presbyterian Choir, under Brooks’s direction, will round out the afternoon, with John Batchman playing on the Robert Dial organ.
Brooks emphasized that “An Autumn Serenade” is the first of many musical experiences that community members can enjoy at First Presbyterian over the next few months. He is also looking forward to welcoming the Alton Muny Band at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 7, followed by the Community Gospel Choir of St. Louis on March 28, 2026. The March concert will honor community members who embody the spirit of Elijah P. Lovejoy.
As the church welcomes new Pastor Ian Caveny, Brooks believes now is a great time to welcome more community members to the church for events like the concerts. He emphasized the church’s goal to contribute to “the betterment of community.”
“We just think that it’s time for churches in the community to participate and provide an opportunity for the community to develop relationships. That’s the most important thing we can do for communities now,” he explained.
The leadership and congregation of First Presbyterian hope many people come out on Sunday, Nov. 23, for the free concert. You can watch the official church Facebook page or their official website for more information about their services and upcoming events.
“We’re looking forward to it,” Brooks added. “In First Presbyterian, every seat is a good seat.”
Click here for more information about the upcoming “An Autumn Serenade” concert.
