Libertyville's Street Dance takes a new step

Mainstreet Libertyville has planned a big change as it hosts its 18th street dance.

There still will be food, beer and live music from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday.

But this year, everything will be found under one large 40-by-230-square-foot tent along Church Street.

"We wanted to try to reinvent it a little bit and make it a true community event providing everything under one giant tent," said Randy Nelson, executive director of Mainstreet Libertyville.

Even the sound system inside the tent will be adjusted to encourage talking among the crowd where in the past, Nelson said, someone had to yell to speak to someone across from them.

The street dance reflects Libertyville in every way, from the food providers to the entertainment. Providing a broad menu of festival food including chicken and burgers will be Catered Productions. Mickey Finn's will provide the beer and for the first time a complete wine selection.

Nelson said three bands, all with Libertyville ties, will perform a continuous variety of rock music and cover tunes ranging from the 1970s to today. The lineup begins with Tokyo Fish Market from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Vardin's Groove, a takeoff from Libertyville's original name Vardin's Grove, will take the stage from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Headlining the night will be local favorite Betty Soul from 10 to 11:30 p.m.

Steve Marth, member of Betty Soul, said it's a blast to perform for family and friends in the community where he lives while also raising money for Mainstreet Libertyville. Also making up Betty Soul are Bill Groskopf of Libertyville, Steve Policht of Antioch, Steve Chisenhall of Third Lake and Todd Cotter of Gurnee.

"It's a fun show. It's a high energy show. Everyone is there to have a great time," Marth said.

The evening also will feature a silent auction from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in the civic center. Nelson said among the more than 130 items featured will be sports memorabilia and album covers signed by the artists.