Bloomingdale summer concerts begin June 14
One of the best parts about summertime is being able to spend the beautiful nights outside. Lawn seats at an outdoor concert are a perfect way to relax and enjoy the night with family or friends.
Bloomingdale’s annual summer concert series launches Tuesday, June 14, at Old Town Park with a performance by the band Soda. Shows begin at 7 p.m. most Tuesdays through August at Old Town Park, 111 Third St., Bloomingdale.
Breaking into the music scene as a new band in 2008, Soda has played many Chicago and suburban venues, including the Bloomingdale concert series. The band performs a range of genres.
Band member Rob Loar said Soda will play a variety of music, but especially rock from classic to present. And because the show is family-oriented, Soda will play some songs for kids, Loar said.
“Each show is unique, with different responses from town to town,” Loar said, “The interaction is the coolest part for me.”
Jo Witucki, program coordinator at the Bloomingdale Park District, helped select the bands for this year’s lineup.
“We tried to spread it out and choose a wide variety,” Witucki said.
This summer’s schedule has something for everyone, from musicians who specialize in big band or jazz, to a reggae steel drum band, to groups who play rock music from all eras.
The always popular American English will perform again this year. Organizers anticipate a large crowd for the Aug. 16 show; up to 1,500 people have come out to watch the widely known Beatles tribute band in previous years, Witucki said.
All shows are free, and concert goers can bring their own lawn chairs and refreshments to the park.
But why stop at just watching? Everyone has the chance to be the star of the show July 19.
An addition to the lineup this year is the Bloomingdale’s Got Talent show.
Residents can enter by submitting a DVD of their talent by June 30. Performances may be solo, duet or group numbers. Five acts from each age group will be chosen to compete in the finals.
One winner from each category will receive a $100 prize, a trophy and the opportunity to perform at the National Night Out Against Crime event Aug. 2 at the Oasis Water Park.
“We wanted to try something different and see if we can get some of the talent from Bloomingdale out there,” Witucki said.
So take a peaceful night to yourself, go on a nice family outing or show off your talent on stage — you can do it all this summer.
If you go
What: Bloomingdale Summer Concert Series
When: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, June 14 to Aug. 23, except July 5 and Aug. 2
Where: Old Town Park, 111 Third St., Bloomingdale
Cost: Free
Info: bloomingdaleparks.org
2011 Band Lineup
June 14: Soda (rock, 70s and later)
June 21: The Rockin Fenderskirts (rock, 70s and earlier)
June 28: The New Invaders (British invasion/Woodstock)
July 5: No concert
July 12: Chi-Town Show stoppers (big band)
July 19: Bloomingdales Got Talent
July 26: Neverly Brothers (rockabilly/British invasion)
Aug. 2: No concert
Aug. 9: Od Tapo Imi (Caribbean/reggae)
Aug. 16: American English (Beatles tribute)
Aug. 23: Bopology (swing, jazz, big band)