Music in Plymouth

In Memory of Al Hilde, Jr.

Al Hilde, Jr., co-founder of Music in Plymouth, passed away on July 28, 2023. As Mayor of Plymouth from 1968-1977, he sought ways to build an enduring sense of community in a rapidly-growing and decentralized town.

A centerpiece of that effort, Music in Plymouth, was launched in 1972. Over the years, Al Hilde and his wife, Jayne, provided visionary leadership backed with financial generosity to nurture Music in Plymouth. They donated $1 million to the Plymouth Civic League to design and build a permanent stage for the event which was dedicated in 2002. The PCL subsequently gifted the Hilde Performance Center to the City of Plymouth and in addition to hosting the Minnesota Orchestra at Music in Plymouth each summer, the amphitheater showcases a variety of other concerts and events bringing Plymouth residents together throughout the year.

In 2007, the Hilde's once again stepped forward as founding contributors to the Music in Plymouth Endowment Fund, an effort designed to provide a foundation of financial stability to the event ensuring its longevity. Most recently, in 2022, Al and Jayne's family foundation, WestWings II, gave a leadership gift to help fund the 50th anniversary celebration of Music in Plymouth. Though the Hilde's were unable to attend the event due to health concerns, the crowd of 15,000 raised lighted mobile phones and sang over FaceTime to express gratitude to them for their legacy and constant support for the community of Plymouth.

Al and Jayne, the Plymouth Civic League is forever grateful for your vision, your generosity and your trust. We will continue to safeguard the legacy we've built together.