Arlington Heights summer concerts, movies in full swing
A sure sign of summer, the outdoor movie and music scene, is in full swing.
Among upcoming events, in Wheeling, Free Movie Mondays, sponsored by Devon Bank, begin tonight. "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," rated PG, will begin at dusk at Pleasant Run Park on Paddock Drive at Equestrian Drive.). Bring your own blankets, lawn chairs and treats.
And on Wednesday, June 16, the Arlington Heights Community Concert Band is holding its first summer concert of the season, "Salute to the Seventies," at 7 p.m. at North School Park, Arlington Heights Road and James Street.
The concert features music by Earth, Wind and Fire, Chicago, Stevie Wonder and other rock classics including Vehicle and Bohemian Rhapsody. Bring your own lawn chair, wear your '70s style clothes and come sing along to music produced by 60 volunteer members ranging in age from 14 to older than 80.
"I played clarinet in grade school through high school," said Suzanne Petrie, who is working to publicize the band's performances. "When I first moved to Arlington Heights and saw the band in the hometown parade, I vowed to join the band 'after my kids grew up'" and she did. "My hope is to generate excitement for a singalong, hand clapping, free, fun night out at North School Park."
Upcoming events for the band include the Memorial Day Parade at 9:30 a.m. in downtown Arlington Heights, followed by an "American Traditions" concert at 1 p.m. at Recreation Park, Northwest Highway and Douglas Avenue; "A Grand Sousa Concert," 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 14, North School Park; "Players' Choice 2010," 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11 at North School Park. Musical events also are planned at Harmony Park, Campbell Street and Vail Avenue, at 7 p.m. Thursdays July 24 and Aug. 7.
Wheeling's free summer concert series will launch 7 p.m. Wednesday June 30 and continue at that time each Wednesday through Aug. 11 at the Aquatic Center circle patio, 327 W. Dundee Road, featuring a variety of local musical groups and entertainers. Concessions are available and admission to the Aquatic Center is free starting at 6:30 p.m. on concert days. In case of inclement weather, concerts are not held.
The groups appearing will be Timbre (pop/alternative) June 30, Billy Blues Band (jazz, pop, rock) July 7, Blue Road (blues) July 14, Rolling Thunder (classic rock) July 21, the dance and music of Makani (Hawaiian) July 28, String Fusion (jazz fusion) Aug. 4, and Mass Dynamic (rock) Aug. 11.
Other event on Wheeling's free movie schedule include "Monsters vs. Aliens" (PG) July 12 at Denoyer Park, 440 Denoyer Trail, and "UP!" (PG) Aug. 16 at Chamber Park, 213 N. Wolf Road.
In case of rain, movies are rescheduled for the following Monday. For more information, contact Wheeling Park District Guest Services at (847) 465-3333.