Sway through end of summer
Summer may be winding down, but some free outdoor concerts still remain on tap this weekend, offering a chance to get in some of that last bit of partying before the school schedules take over.
Both Palatine and Schaumburg are offering summer concerts in the great outdoors, part of summer concert series events in both towns.
Palatine Park District winds up its 20th anniversary season of its Sounds of Summer concerts, with performer Ronnie Rice, who sings many of the rock 'n' roll favorites from the '60s.
The former lead singer with the New Colony Six, who has enjoyed a successful solo career, will perform at 8 p.m. Friday at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine.
Look for the popular singer to reprise some of the hits made famous with the New Colony Six, including "I Will Always Think About You," and "Things I'd Like To Say."
Beyond those, his repertoire knows no bounds. He is called "Mr. Sing-Along" for his ability to play virtually any classic hit called out by the audience.
"We had him once before, and he drew a really large audience," says Carol Lange, park district cultural arts coordinator. "We started our season this year with the Liverpool Legends, who play Beatles music, so we thought it was appropriate to end this way.
"People just really enjoy this music," Lange added. "They bring in our biggest shows."
If you prefer a more contemporary band, check out Schaumburg's Summer Breeze concert series at 7 p.m. Friday on the grounds of the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center.
That's where the seven-piece band TimePeace will perform styles including rhythm and blues, rock 'n' roll, Latin and funk. Its Web site says the band has been voted the No. 1 rated rhythm and blues/funk group by Midwest Beat Magazine for the last three years.
"These outdoor concerts have been around since before the Prairie Center was built, and they're really well attended," said Rob Pileckis, production supervisor, who estimates some shows draw as many as 1,500 patrons.
"I hate to say it, but it's like a mini-Ravinia," he added. "People bring the most impressive spreads."
In both villages, being able to take in an outdoor concert in a casual setting is the key to their popularity, administrators agree. Patrons bring blankets and lawn chairs to claim their patch of grass, as well as picnic spreads in some cases, and they enjoy the setting nearly as much as the music.
"In some cases, when the weather is bad and we have to move inside Cutting Hall, we don't get nearly as many people," Lange said. "There's just something the outdoors. People just enjoy sitting outside."