Gary Sinese To Perform With Lt. Dan Band On July 4 In Highland Park

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Actor and Highland Park High School graduate Gary Sinise is set to perform with his band as his hometown commemorates Independence Day for the first time since a gunman shot more than 50 paradegoers, killing seven, at last year's 4th of July parade.

Sinise's cover band named after the character he portrayed in Forrest Gump, the Lt. Dan Band, is scheduled to play a concert from 7:30 p.m. on July 4 at Wolters Field. Opening act Stolen Silver is due to take the stage at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets will be required, with seating available on the bleachers on a first-come, first-served basis. Standing room will be available in front of the stage, with some room for seating available on the turn itself. No outside chairs will be allowed.

The evening event will close with a custom drone show, which has replaced the annual fireworks display "in consideration of concerns regarding the noise of the fireworks and the city's push for more sustainable alternatives," according to city staff.

Sinise founded Steppenwolf Theater Company in 1974 with HPHS classmates Jeff Perry and Terry Kinney in a Deerfield church basement.

Following his Oscar-nominated 1994 performance as Lt. Dan, Sinise founded his namesake band in 2003. In 2011, he founded the Gary Sinise Foundation, whose mission is to serve veterans, first responders, Gold Star families and those in need, according to its website.

After last year's mass shooting, he returned to Highland Park to support members of the police and fire department through the Gary Sinise Foundation's Serving Heroes program.

"My heart goes out to all the brave first responders serving there and to all the victims and families affected by the terrible shooting on July 4th," Sinise said at the time.

Mayor Nancy Rotering said she expects the Lt. Dan Band's July 4 concert would provide a special opportunity for the community to come together. She told the Chicago Tribune she was looking forward to seeing Sinise perform.

"His generosity and care for Highland Park mean so much to all of us," Rotering said.

Highland Park city officials have adjusted plans for this year's 4th of July ceremonies.

The day is due to begin with a remembrance ceremony at 10 a.m. on City Hall, featuring a performance from Highland Park Strings, comments from the mayor and clergy and a moment of silence at 10:14 a.m. — one year after the first shots were fired at the prior year's parade.

At 11 a.m., community members will follow the 2022 parade route in a community walk from City Hall to Sunset Woods Park.

"The community walk will not be a parade and will not include floats or performers," staff said in a release announcing the event. "It is intended to be an opportunity for active participation as one Highland Park and does not include viewing."

The walk will be followed by a midday community picnic at Sunset Woods Park, with live performances, food, and family-friendly activities.

Registration for the community walk, concert and drone show is available online.