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The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet will kick off its 49th free “Concerts on the Hill” on Thursday.
For those new to “Concerts on the Hill,” this is a free, outdoor, summer concert series at the park. Guests bring their own chairs or blankets for sitting on top of the grassy hill as they listen to musical acts performing in the outdoor bandshell.
“We have a wide variety of acts, so there really is something for everyone.Sometimes it’s not your cup of tea. But all of them area quality performances and you are going to listen to some talented musicians.”
— Lori Carmine, park director
Whether you’re a long-time attendee of the series or a newcomer, Lori Carmine, park director, has three good reasons why you should attend this year.
It’s free
People can enjoy their favorite music genres and try out new ones without it costing them anything, Carmine said. The lineup this summer includes big band, reggae, blues, country, soft rock and a “sneak peek” at two summer musicals, Carmine said.
“We have a wide variety of acts, so there really is something for everyone,” Carmine said. “Sometimes it’s not your cup of tea. But all of them area quality performances and you are going to listen to some talented musicians.”
Family friendly
Parents can feel comfortable bringing their children since the event is outside in a casual seating environment, Carmine said.
“They can let their kids go around the grassy area on either side, out of the way of people to listen,” Carmine said. “Our youngest, he’s in high school, still likes to come just to walk around the park and hang out with his friends.”
Green space
People can bring their own picnic basket (no outside alcohol is allowed). Or they can purchase concessions or drinks from a cash bar.
“The bar will be on the patio,” Carmine said. “You can be one with nature.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: 49th free “Concerts On The Hill” 2023
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, June 1 through Aug. 31
WHERE: Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre, 201 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet
ETC: Bring a chair or blanket for hill seating. Concessions will be available, courtesy of Lightning Concessions. Picnic baskets welcome. A cash bar available. No outside alcohol is allowed. Free parking
INFO: Visit bicentennialpark.org or call 815-724-3761
Lineup for ‘Concerts on the Hill’ 2023
June 1: Season opening
Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra
Joliet American Legion Band
June 8: Reggae night
“Godspell” musical preview by Bicentennial Park Theatre
The Selectones (reggae funk)
June 15
“Godspell” musical preview by Bicentennial Park Theatre
Just Us (soft rock)
Ray Koncar & The Boys (polka)
June 22: Country night
Silverstrings (classic country)
Righteous Hillbillies (southern rock/ boogie blues)
June 29
Cloggin’ Craze & Kidz Clog (dancers)
Larry Crawford & Band (R&B)
July 6
Vocalists Matt Persicketti & Mike Eulitz (rat pack)
Joliet American Legion Band
July 13: Jazz night
. . . stay tuned!
July 20: Musicals night
“The Wizard of Oz” musical preview by the Joliet Drama Guild
Fine Tune Center for the Arts (Musical Showcase)
July 27: Polka luau night
“The Wizard of Oz” musical preview by the Joliet Drama Guild
Eddie Korosa Jr & Boys & Girl of IL (polka)
Ukulele Moonshiners (party tunes)
August 3: Country night
Neon Lights (from the Fine Tune Center for the Arts in Channahon)
August 10: Blues night
Al Spears and the Hurricane Project
August 17: “Drunken Donut Night”
Alex Ziech hosts various singer/ songwriters from the Joliet hot spot.
August 24: “Women’s Singing Our Stories” Night
Hit songs by women through the decades – encore from park’s Women’s History Month performance.
August 31: 49th season finale
Joliet Township High School Orchestra
Joliet Township High School Central Band
Joliet America Legion Band