FRIDAY, August 27th, 7:30pm
DanFan party
Hotel Père Marquette
SATURDAY, August 28th, 3pm
Memorial Dedication Ceremony
Riverfront Park
SATURDAY, August 28th, 7:30pm
Tribute Concert
Scottish Rite Cathedral
On December 16, 2007, Peoria lost one of its most famous native sons, the beloved singer/songwriter Dan Fogelberg. Since that tragic loss, local admirers have pooled their efforts to recognize this talented musician who grew up in the East Bluff, graduated from Woodruff High School and left this world too soon.
Longtime fans and local residents Hugh Higgins and Dianne Turner have worked diligently for more than two years to bring their dream of a Dan Fogelberg memorial to fruition. Turner had seen a memorial for the musician John Denver in Aspen and suggested a similar display in Peoria to recognize Fogelberg. Fans from around the world sent donations and suggestions for the memorial, which will consist of several large boulders etched with selected Fogelberg lyrics.
On August 28th at 3pm, the memorial will be unveiled at a dedication ceremony on the Peoria Riverfront. “It will be a beautiful addition to Riverfront Park,” said Higgins. “The design includes a variety of perennials that will be in bloom at all times of the year, and a Colorado blue spruce to offer green in the winter.”
The weekend kicks off with a “DanFan party” hosted by DanFogelberg.com and TheLivingLegacy.net at the Hotel Père Marquette on August 27th at 7pm. The next day, after the memorial is unveiled, there will be a tribute concert at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, followed by an after-party at the same venue.
“In all, we have 23 musicians and vocalists creating a concert experience we know everyone will love,” says Higgins. “We call ourselves the Peoria Acoustic All Stars, because we have gathered a collection of very talented artists from a variety of bands for this special event.”
Tickets for the concert are $30 for floor seats, $25 for main level and $20 for balcony. All proceeds will benefit The Cancer Center for Healthy Living. Tickets can be ordered online at cchlpeoria.org or by calling (309) 693-8139. For more information, visit dfpeoria.com. a&s
