Music
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Cody Johnson’s country music is only getting bigger. On ‘Banks of the Trinity,’ he’ll take you home.
Jun 30, 2026 9:05 am - There’s a moment at every Cody Johnson show where the Texas-born and bred country star asks the crowd: “How many of you tonight are watching me and this band live for the very first time?” he told The Associated Press. “And every night, I would say at least 80% of the crowd raises their hands.” That’s changing though, and fast.
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Things to do July 3-9: Mundelein Community Days, Northwest Fourth-Fest, Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest and moreJun 29, 2026 5:40 pm - Mark your calendar for Mundelein Community Days, Frontier Days, Northwest Fourth-Fest, Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest, Rockin’ in the USA Fourth of July Weekend Festival in Rosemont, Taste of Chicago, Itasca Fest and more.
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Wheaton Municipal Band kicks off the Fourth of July weekend early with Patriotic ConcertJun 29, 2026 1:49 pm - On July 2, the Wheaton Municipal Band will present its Patriotic concert with the theme, “From Sea to Shining Sea,” at Memorial Park. It features classic American compositions including Sousa marches, “This Land is Your Land,” and music from “Victory at Sea.”
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Frontier Days hits the big Five-Oh, and it’s as lively as everJun 29, 2026 11:29 am - A little more than five decades ago, a group of Arlington Heights residents gathered to create an event they hoped would bring their community together in celebration of the United States’ Bicentennial. Fifty years later, that special celebration to mark the nation’s 200th birthday lives on as one of the suburbs’ biggest and most beloved festivals — Frontier Days.
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Lauryn Hill honored, Janet Jackson stuns Teyana Taylor and Druski makes history at BET Awards
Jun 29, 2026 6:35 am - After watching a 20-minute tribute celebrating her groundbreaking career, Lauryn Hill surprised the BET Awards audience Sunday with an impromptu performance of her 1998 classic “Ex-Factor” after accepting the Living Legend Icon Award before closing the show with “Everything Is Everything.”
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What to stream: ‘Obsession,’ Madonna and ‘Elle’
Jun 29, 2026 5:15 am - “Obsession” and a new album from Madonna are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.
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‘A bucket list item that I didn’t know I had’: Suburban garage rockers prep for first headlining gig since ’60sJun 26, 2026 10:11 am - The Huns, a 1960s garage rock band from the Northwest suburbs, have reunited and are rehearsing for their first solo show since going their separate ways after high school graduation in 1969.
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Thirsty Thursday returns to Lake Ellyn Boathouse with music, beer and wineJun 25, 2026 8:46 pm - Glen Ellyn Park District is hosting Thirsty Thursday events on July 9 and 23 at Lake Ellyn Boathouse for ages 21 or older, featuring live music from Side Project and Mickey O'Brien and Friends, respectively.
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Geneva introduces Sunday Sidewalk Sessions with local musiciansJun 25, 2026 7:53 pm - Geneva launches Sunday Sidewalk Sessions, a free weekly live music series featuring local musicians performing on Third and State streets every Sunday afternoon from July 5 through Sept. 27.
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Summer Music at Bethel opens season with mezzo soprano Kelly HillJun 25, 2026 12:01 am - Summer Music at Bethel begins July 10 with mezzo soprano Kelly Hill and pianist Jeffrey Panko performing works by Alma Mahler, Clara Schumann, Johannes Brahms and Kurt Weill at Bethel United Church of Christ in Elmhurst.