Kelly’s Heroes

May 13, 1992, marked the beginning of Kelley’s Heroes. The now late Tim Kelley directed thirteen musicians at that first band practice, leading us in five songs. A marching band was formed and called the Caledonia Fireman’s Band. The band, initially comprised of Tim’s fellow CMCS alumni and local friends, marched with the Caledonia Fire Department in eight parades that first year. 

In our second marching season, we performed in more than 25 parades and concerts. Our membership began to grow and a color guard was added. In 1994, the name, Kelley’s Heroes, was dubbed by a band member just after we had finished playing the song Hogan’s Heroes. The new name just seemed to suit us, and so we came to be Kelley’s Heroes Concert/Marching Band.

A typical busy marching season starts with the St. Patrick’s Parade and concludes with two Christmas parades: the Santa Claus Parade in Toronto, Canada and the Hometown Holidays Parade in Caledonia, NY.  For these last two events, we have a separate folio of Christmas music and special uniforms.  Normally, our colors are black, white and red. However, we do wear green sweatshirts to show our spirit in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
Kelley’s Heroes has created and produced two CDs, both recorded at Linden Oaks Studio in Rochester. Our first CD, released in December 1998, is entitled "Kelley's Heroes Favorite Christmas Songs.” Our second CD, released in 2001, is a collection of our favorite summer parade songs.

On July 2, 2003, Kelley’s Heroes deeply mourned the tragic death of our leader, Tim Kelley, who was accidentally electrocuted while making repairs to one of his rental properties. During this difficult time, Kelley’s Heroes decided that the best way to honor Tim’s legacy was to continue performing.

For more information about Kelley’s Heroes and an up-to-date schedule of our performances, visit our Website at www.kelleysheroes.org.