Free Summer Concerts Set for Montgomery

By Jeff Long

Summer is great for a lot of reasons, with long, warm days and festive, moonlit nights.

And there’s so much to do - golf, swimming, bicycling, barbecues – name your fun. But there’s nothing quite like an outdoor concert in the twilight of a summer evening – especially when it’s free. Music just sounds better outdoors.

There’s a carnival effect – and you can actually feel the music amid the fresh air and warm breezes. If that sounds like your kind of fun, the Fox Valley Park District is going to make your summer.

Over the next two months, the Park District and sponsors Village of Montgomery and BMO Harris Bank will stage six free Concerts in the Park at Montgomery Park (River and Mill streets) or McCullough Park (150 W. Illinois Ave.) – all at no charge.

Each show is a come-as-you-are affair. Simply head to the park with a blanket or a couple lawn chairs, set up a fan station and get your groove on. Concerts are on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The fun begins next week (June 13). Here’s the lineup of bands: 

Smokin’ Gunz
June 13 at Montgomery Park
Smokin’ Gunz is a Top 40 country band whose members hail from the suburbs. Their concerts are the equivalent of a country music dance party – so maybe you won’t need that chair!

28 Days
June 20 at McCullough Park
Playing a wide variety of music, 28 Days covers everything from the classics to today’s hits. From pop, rock, funk, classic rock, country, techno, rap, R&B and gospel, 28 Days delivers each genre authentically in its truest form.

The Juke Box Band
June 27 at Montgomery Park
The always crowd-pleasing Juke Box Band can play virtually any pop tune, from classic rock to blues to country to 50s to jazz. Every show is different because the crowd picks the songs – and also takes requests in advance. If you have a song you’d like The Juke Box Band to perform, email Debbie Smith at dsmith@fvpd.net

White Saddle Band
July 18 at Montgomery Park
Playing American music from the heartland, White Saddle Band has been together for 35 years and features a unique blend of rock & roll, R&B and blues. From little taverns to big-stage concerts with national acts, the band can be counted on to play songs the audience knows – and, better yet – really likes.

Aurora American Legion Band
July 25 at McCullough Park
Set amid the stately oaks and the riverside setting of McCullough Park, the American Legion band will be performing for its 74th year of service. The band is an eclectic mix featuring all ages – veterans, non-veterans and student musicians – playing patriotic, classical and popular music.

August
Aug. 1 at McCullough Park
A local favorite, August delivers horn-driven rock ’n’roll with a balance of soul, rhythm and blues and hint of jazz. In 2010, the band released a highly acclaimed CD entitled Second Time Around. Onstage, the 13-member band provides a unique, visually impressive experience that fans will vividly remember.

Jeff Long is the public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District. Contact him at jlong@fvpd.net