Live music, the chance to dance, and fun food have attracted crowds to downtown Clarendon Hills since 2000 for the annual Dancin’ in the Street Summer Concert Series.
For six Wednesdays in June and July each year, a different band and a different food provider are featured. Food service begins at 6:30 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m.
“It was originally staged to provide promotion to the downtown stores,” said Village Trustee Ken Hall, who is chairman of the Special Events Committee. “That’s always been the foundation of the event.”
Members of the Special Events Committee choose the bands each year. “The two folks this year listened to music, looked on websites, and came up with some good bands,” Hall said.
The series starts on June 19 with One Foot in the Groove, a horn-driven rock band.
Bourbon Aristocracy is next up on June 26. “Our repertoire includes bluegrass classics from artists such as Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, Jimmy Martin, Del McCoury, Stanley Brothers, and many more,” said Ethan Taylor Sellers, the group’s bandleader, guitarist, and vocalist. He added that their repertoire also includes songs by such classic country artists as Hank Williams and Johnny Cash.
“Audience members are welcome to sing, clap along, dance, or just listen,” Sellers said.
The July 10 concert features Peach’s Beach Party, which guitarist Ron Piech described as a “trop-rock band. It is a celebration of the spirit of Jimmy Buffett and his Beachcomber style.” Audiences will hear such selections as “Growing Older But Not Up,” “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere,” “We are the People our Parents Warned Us About,” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”
The Millennials will perform on July 17.
“Our music is a mix of classic rock and ’80s most popular hits, mixed with current dance hits,” said Michael Henehan, founder and lead guitarist and vocalist. “We like to say we have something for everyone. Our set list changes for every show. We will have one of our originals, and probably some Led Zeppelin, Journey, Bon Jovi, REO, and Billie Joel.”
The series ends with The Sting Rays performing ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s rock and roll on July 24, and the show band Libido Funk Circus performing dance, rock, and pop music on July 31.
Food vendors committed at press time were Daily Scoop (June 19), Best Truckin’ BBQ (June 26), Toasty Taco (July 10), Toasty Cheese (July 17), and Beach Avenue BBQ (July 31). Members of the Special Events Committee will sell beer and wine at a beverage tent.
Parking will be available in the Metra commuter parking lot at Prospect Ave. and Ann St.
Hall estimated that between 1,200-1,500 people attend each concert. And, he reported, people do dance in the street. No matter who performs, Hall said, “There’s always kids dancing.”
Dancin’ in the Street Summer Concert Series
When: 7 p.m. Wednesdays, June 19-July 31 (no concert July 3)
Where: Prospect Ave., Downtown Clarendon Hills
Admission: Free
Information: 630-286-5402; clarendonhills.us
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