Popular Forest Preserve Summer Concert Series Gets Underway In June

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — The popular concerts in the plaza series will be returning soon to Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville.

The Lake County Forest Preserve recently released its concert lineup for the series, which will run Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on June 10 through August 5. Independence Grove Forest Preserve is located off of Buckley Road just east of Milwaukee Avenue.

“There’s nothing quite like live music surrounded by nature,” said Forest Preserves President Jessica Vealitzek. “Concerts in the Plaza bring brings families and friends together in one of the most beautiful settings in Lake County.”

Here is a look at this year's lineup:

• June 10 | The Wayouts | 1960s Rock'n'Roll: Dedicated exclusively to garage rock hits from the 1960s, The Wayouts deliver an authentic revival of rock'n'roll's first generation with hits from The Kinks, The Animals, The Troggs, The Monkees, The Rascals and more. Veterans of the Chicago music scene, they have diverse musical resumes.
• June 17 | Brooklyn Charmers | Steely Dan Tribute | Jazz Rock: Brooklyn Charmers is a Steely Dan tribute band comprised of some of Chicago's top players. With masterful precision and obsessive dedication to the music, Brooklyn Charmers injects a new energy into the beloved catalogue, bridging the gap between new and lifelong fans alike.
• June 24 | How Rude! | '90s Tribute: How Rude! brings the best of the '90s to life with their high-energy, nostalgia-filled performance, mixing everything from grunge to pop. Relive the era with iconic slap bracelets, parting your hair down the middle and rocking those classic overalls, flannel shirts and platform shoes.
• July 1 | Mackenzie O'Brien and Band | Country: Stands as the hottest young country band in the area boasting a lineup of full-time musicians and led by the captivating talent known as Chicago's new country queen. The band covers a wide array of music from contemporary country stars such as Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, as well as classics from legends including Dolly Parton and Waylon Jennings.
• July 8 | Gizzae| Raggae: Gizzae, an acclaimed reggae band, blends diverse musical experiences from its global members. Over 35 years, they've won Grammys and Chicago Music Awards, sharing stages with icons such as the The Rolling Stones and Ziggy Marley. Their shows feature energetic guitar solos and mesmerizing keyboards, ensuring good vibes and moving rhythms for all.
• July 15 | American English | Beatles Tribute: Has been named the best Beatles tribute band of our time. They were voted No. 1 in sound-alike contests at The Fest for Beatles Fans for three consecutive years. Their demand here and abroad, coupled with their fan base, anchored them in larger venues and theaters worldwide.
• July 22 | Peach Jam | Allman Brothers Band Tribute | Blues Rock: A tribute to the iconic music of the legendary Allman Brothers Band. Let the tunes whisk you away to the Fillmore East, the historic music venue nestled in the heart of New York City, where the Allman Brothers Band frequently played. Expect a fusion of blues, rock, jazz and country to create a distinctive sound that’s both powerful and heartfelt.
• July 29 | Soul Sacrifice | Santana Tribure | Rock: Soul Sacrifice Santana tribute band is known for delivering a top-notch experience, earning a strong following among fans. From Woodstock in 1969 to today, the band performs a mix of classic tunes, lively rhythms, electrifying guitar solos and authentic Latin percussion. With hits like "Black Magic Woman," "Oye Como Va" and "Smooth," the high-energy band keeps the crowd moving from beginning to end.
• ###strongMississippi Heat | Blues: Led by Chicago Hall of Fame harmonica master and songwriter Pierre Lacocque, Mississippi Heat stands as a world-class Chicago Blues Band. They describe their style as “traditional blues with a unique sound” as they present a blend of fresh innovative musical concepts while remaining rooted in vintage blues traditions.

Independence Grove Entrance Fee, Concert Details

The entrance fee to Independence Grove is $10 per car after 4:30 p.m. on event nights. Concerts are open to all ages and are held at the preserve's outdoor amphitheater overlooking a 129-acre lake. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating.

Those stopping out can pack a picnic, or purchase a light dinner, snack or beverage from the preserve's walk-up café or from the Beer Garden at Independence Grove.