Lake County Forest Preserves announces concert series lineup
The Lake County Forest Preserves' annual Concerts in the Plaza music series will present award-winning performers playing under the stars.
Seven concerts will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, June 22 through July 27, at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. The concerts are held at the preserve's outdoor Millennia Plaza overlooking a 115-acre lake. A new concert has been added at the outdoor amphitheater at Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago.
From Beatles to the blues, from rock and bluegrass to swing and jazz, there's something for just about any music taste in this season's entertainment lineup.
View full band descriptions and 2021 concert lineup at www.lcfpd.org/things-to-do/concerts.
This year's concerts are supported by platinum sponsor North Shore Gas, bronze sponsor Libertyville Bank and Trust, and media sponsor Lake County Journal.
June 22: De Hurricane Reggae Band holds the Chicago Music Award for Best Reggae Entertainer in 2018. Get ready to experience a true Caribbean vibe with reggae, soca, calypso, a little jazz and blues, and a taste of real island culture and sound.
June 29: The Chicago Skyliners Big Band was formed in 1988 for the purpose of prolonging the musical memory of the Big Band Era. Blue Birdland Jazz recording artists, the band features the music of Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Sammy Nestico, Stan Kenton, and Maynard Ferguson, to name a few. A house band at FitzGerald's Night Club in Berwyn since 1991, The Chicago Skyliners Big Band following has grown to become one of the top Big Bands in Chicagoland.
July 6: The North 41 is back by popular demand and one of Chicago's hottest up-and-coming bands. The band has supported major names such as The Main Squeeze and Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, and has a major year ahead, including a headlining festival performance at Summer Camp Music Festival.
July 13: Mason Rivers is a high-energy country band that covers the best of today's country music and the classics.
July 20: Kaleidoscope Eyes pays homage to the Beatles.
July 27: Rico's hypnotic blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms is heavily influenced by the sound and spirit of Santana. The band creates a fiery soulful sound through bass, congas, percussion, drums, timbales, keyboards, and guitar.
Aug. 3: An Adam Ezra Group performance is a community-driven experience, propelled by the spirit of the audience. Hailing from Boston, the band has opened for The Wallflowers, John Oates, Graham Parker, and America.
<h3 class="leadin">New Concert at Greenbelt
A new concert at a new location has been added this summer. John Primer blues band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 24, in the outdoor amphitheater at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago.
This concert will be livestreamed/recorded and available for viewing at YoutTube.com/LCFPD.
The musician brings his signature electric slide guitar, soulful R&B vocals, and the influence of blues legends he has played with, including Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, Willie Dixon, and Magic Slim.
In June, John Primer performs at the Chicago Blues Festival and is headlining at Buddy Guy's Legends.
Bring chairs and blankets. Arrive at Greenbelt early, as parking is limited. Cars are turned away when the parking lot is full. To help offset the cost to host this concert, there is a vehicle entrance fee of $10. There is no rain date.
“The concerts have always been a popular attraction during the summer. We are thrilled to add a new concert at Greenbelt this season,” said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves.
<h3 class="leadin">Fee and Concert Details
Entrance is $10 per car after 5 p.m. on event nights. For safety, and as a courtesy to preserve neighbors, park in preserve lots only. Cars will be turned away when parking lots are full.
For concert reminders, weather updates or to learn if a concert has been canceled, call (847) 968-3499, view status map at www.lcfpd.org or get updates via Twitter. There is no rescheduling if a concert is canceled.
Concerts are open to all ages and are held at the preserve's outdoor amphitheater overlooking a 115-acre lake. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Pack a picnic or purchase a light dinner, snack or beverage from the preserve's walk-up cafe or from the new Beer Garden at Independence Grove.
To make a concert outing even more memorable, call (847) 968-3499 to reserve a pontoon boat for a group of up to six.
With the exception of service animals, dogs, horses and other pets are not permitted at Independence Grove.
To learn about concert sponsorship opportunities, contact the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves at (847) 968-3434.
The entrance to Independence Grove is on Buckley Road, just east of Milwaukee Avenue and west of River Road in Libertyville.
The entrance to Greenbelt Cultural Center is on the east side of Green Bay Road, between 10th and 14th streets, south of Belvidere Road.
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