Triple Play 2023: Patience—The Lineup Is Coming Soon, Mayor Says

NEW LENOX, IL — Those eager to hear who will play New Lenox's summer concert series will have to keep waiting, as Mayor Tim Baldermann continues to work on the lineup.

Baldermann took to social media Tuesday to reassure residents he's still tweaking the lineup, and that he hopes to have news soon. Baldermann also outlined the history of the series, and the logic behind the tickets being sold in one all-inclusive pass.

Baldermann said booking bands for the shows has gotten trickier since COVID-19.

"Ever since the pandemic, booking high-caliber bands to play local venues not associated with national tours is becoming increasingly more difficult," Baldermann told Patch. "I'm hopeful we'll return to normal soon."

Baldermann explained the origin of the series, which was started as a way to offset the cost of events on the Commons, he said, including fireworks on July 4.

"The stage in the Commons, built with the generosity of the Bolker family, was meant to showcase local talent, like our community band and groups like the cloggers," Baldermann went on. "It was not built with the idea of having international bands performing in New Lenox. Because of this, and the fact that we are a small town, many artists are reluctant to play our venue. We had to find a way to get them to come here."

In an effort to keep ticket prices reasonable, Baldermann peruses bands' touring schedules, trying to snag some acts when they are slated to perform nearby or in the Midwest. Often bands' contracts prohibit them from playing within a certain radius of another venue where they're booked.

The concept of an all-in-one pass is attractive to bands, Baldermann said, because the shows are viewed as a "private show."

"We have been fortunate to have had many Rock n Roll Hall of Fame performers, as well as Grammy award winners play our stage," Baldermann said. "What other local community of 30,000 people can say they’ve hosted that many artists of that caliber? None! Those artists come here because of our concept of a Triple Play; one that is primarily for our residents...

"Also, because of the work our staff does, and the way our crowds are so receptive, the word spreads and bands/management companies give their approval. Despite this, we are not going to be able to book bands that can play the United Center, Soldier Field, or any other large-capacity venue."

In its 15th year (plus one canceled amid the pandemic), previous performers have included names such as Big Head Todd and The Monsters, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Counting Crows, BoDeans, Soul Asylum, ZZ Top, Billy Idol, Cheap Trick, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Kenny Loggins, Melissa Etheridge, Collective Soul, Gin Blossoms, The Smithereens, Daughtry, The Wallflowers, Buddy Guy, Chicago, 10,000 Maniacs, and more. Find a complete list of past bands on the Village's website.

Baldermann reminds fans that while he might have personal relationships with some performers, that doesn't guarantee he'll be able to land them for a show in New Lenox.

"Management companies and tour promoters influence where and when a band will perform," he wrote. "Just like I have friends that play professional sports; that doesn’t mean I can get them to have their professional team come play a scrimmage game against our local high school. Additionally, just because your 'cousin Tommy' once delivered an Amazon package to Mick Jagger’s Aunt Carol doesn’t mean you can get the Rolling Stones to play here. I promise you, there is no artist that performs a show because of some shirttail connection."

Chatter around the series lineup starts early each year, with many trying to guess who will play, or suggesting certain artists via social media. Baldermann said he can't please everyone.

"We provide quality bands, whether you like a particular artist or not, for $30 per show, free parking, $5 beers, and inexpensive food from local restaurants," he wrote. "There is no better deal when it comes to concerts. The profits help pay for fireworks, kids movie nights, kids play day etc ... We’re not going to be able to provide everyone’s favorite artist, or even their favorite genre of music. If you don’t like who we book, don’t come.

"If your biggest complaint in life is that you don’t like who is playing in the Triple Play, consider yourself very fortunate."

Baldermann encouraged patience and an open mind as he cements the acts for the series.

"As soon as I have this year’s artists finalized, you will know," he wrote. "If you like them, come out and have a good time. If you don’t know their music, expand your horizons and enjoy the company of a great community.

"If you don’t like them, call your cousin Tommy for me and get us the Stones!"