KOS Concert Band salute
The “Veterans Light the Stars” event honored area military personnel.
J. Craig Lilly conducts the Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band during the Veterans Light the Stars concert at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala, Fla. on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.
The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band was founded in 1990 and continues to offer a wide variety of music, including patriotic tributes. On Nov. 9, the group, under the baton of J. Craig Lilly, offered its annual “Veterans Light the Stars” concert at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.
There are more than 70 active members of the band, all of whom are volunteers.
“Concert themes are decided by our music director, with input from our Conductor Emeritus Les Muncaster. When deciding on a theme, attention is given to standard music in our library, new music that may be available that represents current popular themes (i.e., movies, Broadway, pop hits, etc.), plus an inclusion of patriotic and traditional music to honor our veterans,” said clarinetist Janet Voyles in a prior “Gazette” article.
All performances are free and open to the public. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), the band relies on donations.
The band’s next concert is “The Bells of Christmas,” at 3 p.m. Dec. 7, with a 2 p.m. preconcert by the Brick City Ringers. It will take place at the Marion Technical Institute Auditorium, 1614 E. Fort King St., Ocala.
For more information, call (352) 390-0491 or visit kingdomofthesunband.org
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