


Get ready for a showdown as our community leaders go head-to-head in the ultimate Battle for the Baton Music Education Fundraiser!
In one corner, we have beloved Mayor Tom Dermody. And in the other corner, we have the honorable State Senator Mike Bohacek and State Representative Jim Pressel.
This battle isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s about raising vital funds to support the Steck Family Music Education fund. Every dollar raised goes towards providing music lessons for children in need, nurturing the next generation of musical talent.
Will the Mayor or the Team State claim victory? You decide with your generous donations.
Join our winner(s) at the crescendo of this friendly battle when they take the baton for the honor of conducting a piece during our free outdoor concert on July 21, 7:30 PM at the Friendship Gardens.
Mark your calendars, spread the word, and let’s rally behind our leaders as they compete for a cause that strikes a chord in all of us.
The Steck Family Music Education Fund is a natural outpouring of support for music education from a community that has been so richly blessed by these two exemplary music educators. Every dollar raised for the fund will support private music lessons for students who are identified by their music teachers as promising but would not otherwise be able to afford to study privately

Site under construction from 4/21/26-4/22/26 while we undergo a software update. Please call 219.362.9020 to donate, purchase a subscription, or register for a Hoosier Star audition, or return to the site on 4/23/26. Thanks!