Known simply as "Mr. Quincy," 92-year old Joe Bonansinga has been tireless in his efforts to bring culture to his community. A musician himself in the pit band at the Washington Theater years ago, Mr. Bonansinga played for the likes of Jack Benny and the Marx brothers. He has been instrumental in bringing musical and theatrical performances to Quincy, in more ways than one. In addition to organizing a jazz concert for residents, Mr. Bonansinga spearheaded efforts to get a mobile stage built for the Quincy Park Band. This stage is now used for a wide variety of cultural activities in the Quincy parks, as well as in the Quincy Civic Center. In addition, through his efforts, funds were raised for the Morrison Theater Plaza, named for the local Director of Music at Quincy High School.
Select Illinois Humanities Council programs are now available for listening or download at Chicago Public Media (WBEZ) as a part of Chicago Amplified, a web-based audio library of diverse public events recorded throughout the Chicago region.
