Benton Street Summer Concert Series brings music, food and drinks to downtown Woodstock
This summer, the streets of Woodstock will be filled with music thanks to the Benton Street Summer Concert Series. The music festivities will keep Benton Street alive with top-tier entertainment every weekend through the end of August.
Every Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. and every Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m., the outdoor patio section on Benton Street shared by many of Woodstock's favorite bars and restaurants, will feature music from one of the region's most recognizable artists.
Well known musician and music promoter Danny Vintage conceived the idea for the festival and developed it along with Ricky Leguizamo who manages Benton Street Tap and The Cabin - two of Woodstock's top nightspots.
"Music is my life and I love seeing people connect and enjoy great music," says Vintage, who got his start in music as a child listening to the influence of his uncle, who was a prolific guitarist.
Vintage has made a name for himself as a bassist, drummer, and DJ on the national music scene. After his uncle died, Vintage was inspired to make sure the love of music his mentor had inspired lived on.
"It was very much the day the music died for me," says Vintage, referencing the famous Don McLean song "American Pie." Instead of going into mourning, Vintage set his sights on making the Benton Street Concert Series a reality.
The Benton Street Summer Concert Series involves the support of Benton Street Tap, The Cabin, DC Cobbs, The Main Street Pour House, and Oliver's Bar & Grill. In support of the event, Casamigos Tequila will be available at most of the participating bars upon request.
The thrilling thing about the concert series is the chance to see many of the best music acts from McHenry County and the greater Chicago area in a local setting. Instead of having to travel to see them around the state, the concert series brings these exciting musical acts for people to enjoy in the convenience of downtown Woodstock. Benton Street is right off of the famed, historic Woodstock Square.
The range of artists featured in the Benton Street Summer Concert Series covers all tastes in music including rock, pop, country, dance, metal, oldies, and covers.
"We're offering a little bit of everything," says Vintage. "I'm looking forward to all of McHenry County and our neighboring townships coming out and enjoying the shows and the diversity of the artists and the wonderful food, drinks, and service of Woodstock's bars and restaurants."
The participating bars and restaurants plan to offer drink and meal specials to coincide with the concert series. Everyone involved is making extra efforts to make sure the Benton Street Summer Concert Series is everything a music fan could dream of.
To this end, local radio station Star 105.5 is also expected to make their presence known on Benton Street during the concert programing.
"You can't beat great food, music, drinks and a great environment," says Vintage "I love seeing people connect to music the way my uncle taught me to appreciate it."
Every indication is that the concert series is on course to be a huge success. If all goes well, the Benton Street Summer Concert Series will put a spotlight on the wonderful bars and restaurants in Woodstock and the amazing music acts that thrill audiences throughout our area.
"Hopefully this is the first year of many concerts to come," says Vintage with the sly smile audiences have come to love. "We want you to come out and have a great time."
The schedule of artists includes:
• June 10: Montana Suede
• June 11: Rozie Ray & Joshua
• June 17: Matt Buhrow
• June 18: Terry Byrne
• June 24: Special Announcement Coming
• June 25: Lara Bell
• July 1: Montana Suede with WT Newton and the Gunslingers
• July 2: Danny Vintage (oldies DJ set)
• July 8: Matt Buhrow
• July 9: Cesare Salad
• July 15: Courtney & Chris
• July 16: Terry Byrne
• July 22: Ian Hall
• July 23: Nathan Graham
• July 29: WT Newton and the Gunslingers
• July 30: Suit Up!
• Aug. 5: Me & DV (Country Night)
• Aug. 6: Jonny Lyons
• Aug. 12: Nicole Nystrom
• Aug. 13: Lonesome Smaug
• Aug. 19: Ryan Herrick
• Aug. 20: Terry Byrne
• Aug. 26: Yardchella
• Aug. 27: Prairie Station