New Orland Park Concert Series Opening Night Pushed Back

ORLAND PARK, IL — Some adjustments have been made to the Orland Park Summer Concert Series, which makes its debut in the coronavirus summer of 2020 at Centennial Park West. Tommy James & The Shondells will now lead off the series on Aug. 22. Originally, the concert series was set to premier on July 18.

Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau said the changes were made taking into consideration current Illinois Department of Public Health restrictions and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

“As a community, we have been through many changes since March, and each has come with adjustments,” Pekau said. “As we said from the get-go, we intend to be flexible and adjust as needed when it comes to our summer events and activities.”

The village of Orland Park released its own reopening plan in late April. Officials said as early as mid-April that summer plans were on in Orland Park amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Ides of March featuring Jim Peterik, The Buckinghams, Cryan’ Shames, New Colony Six and Shadows of Knight will also perform in the August opener featuring Tommy James & The Shondells.

The second concert night now comes on Sept. 12, with Blue Öyster Cult, Mark Farner’s American Band and The Fabulous Thunderbirds taking the stage.

Tickets for both shows can be purchased online. Orland Park residents can get a discounted rate until June 30 by calling 708-403-5000, the village said.

A third concert originally planned for 2020, featuring Scott Stapp, Filter and Dishwalla is now scheduled for the summer of 2021.

In previous videos shared on the village of Orland Park YouTube channel, Pekau warned that by canceling concerts this summer the village would be in danger of being "blackballed" in the music community by the bands set to perform this year.