Rock 'n Wheels returns July 1 for its 10th season with expanded footprint and vaccine clinic
On Thursday, July 1, the village of Addison's signature summer concert series - Rock 'n Wheels - kicks off its 10th season on the Village Green, with exciting changes, great music, and delicious food from local restaurants.
"After last year's cancellation, I know residents are anxiously awaiting an opportunity for our community to gather again, and we're glad to bring back Rock 'n Wheels to help celebrate," said Mayor Rich Veenstra.
Events will be held every Thursday in July and August from 6 to 10 p.m. at 1 Friendship Plaza.
Two bands will perform each week, at 6:30 and 8 p.m.
The season kicks off with Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Free Byrd; opening for them will be Almost Brothers, an Allman Brothers tribute.
On July 8, Ollie Bolds and the Emperors of Soul will open followed by Shining Star, an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band.
On July 15, Sonic Road Trip will open with music from the 1980s and '90s, followed by the Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers tribute band Petty Kings.
On July 22, The Gingers will perform rock music for the opening followed by the Roy Orbison tribute band Rick Lindy's Black & White Night.
On July 29, Shade of Blues will open followed by the Led Zepplin tribute band Kashmir.
On Aug. 5, Joe Kalish will open followed by the Ides of March featuring Jim Peterik.
The Bike & Car Cruise Night has been relocated across the street to Green Meadow Shopping Center, expanding the event space.
"When we were planning for the summer, we were concerned that we might have to cancel the car show to avoid crowding," Veenstra said. "We are grateful to Mike Lullo, owner of Green Meadow, for allowing us to utilize a portion of the parking lot to spread out the event."
Also on Thursdays, July 1 to Aug. 26, the Addison Historical Museum will be open for tours and the Craft and Vintage Fair from 6 to 8 p.m. On select Thursday evenings, the museum will offer special historical interpretations. On July 8, Jessica Michna will portray Jenny Appleseed, the fictional sister of Johnny Appleseed who grew the scion tree from which Addison's Bicentennial tree was grown. On July 22, Justin Stech will return and demonstrate old-fashioned blacksmithing techniques. On Aug. 5, Ellie Carlson will portray "Miss Potts," a late 19th century female inventor, and on Aug. 12, Rebecca Tulloch will interpret a Rockford Peach Female Baseball Player from the 1940s.
For those who are nervous about re-entering social gatherings, Broadway Medical will make COVID-19 Pfizer vaccines available on-site on a walk-in basis to ages 12 and older. Children between the ages of 12 to 17 will need to have a parent accompany them.
Further details, including the entire summer schedule, are available at ItHappensInAddison.com.