PARK DISTRICT INFORMATION

Wilmette’s Sounds of Summer

Wilmette Park District in partnership with the Village of Wilmette welcomes you to:

Wilmette’s Sounds of Summer

Feel the beat of summer! June, July, August & September 2026, we’re bringing the bands together to give you all your FREE Wilmette outdoor concerts in one combined series! Still held at your favorite parks and downtown hangouts.

In the case of inclement weather, shows will be cancelled. Check our Current Weather Conditions page for the latest updates!
Enjoy this Printable PDF of the entire Sounds of Summer Schedule.
Our 3 Kids Concerts have an opening act hosted by the children’s librarians from Wilmette Public Library! Join us before the concert for interactive songs, rhymes and games—from 10-10:25 am.

Band Bios
Photo Gallery
2026 Schedule & Locations

Band Bios

Amanda Payne

A Chicago vocalist blending operatic training with a fun, engaging performance style.

Pop and crossover vocals with classical influence
Solo performer with a light, entertaining approach

American English

A nationally recognized Beatles tribute band delivering a live, era-spanning performance that recreates the sound and energy of the original group.

Beatles tribute covering early hits through later classics
High-energy show for all ages, nostalgic and engaging
Touring act with multiple performers, known for authentic live sound

Animal Husbandry

A Wilmette-based rock band delivering high-energy acoustic and electric performances.

Classic and modern rock covers
4-piece band with flexible acoustic setup
Family-friendly, local North Shore group

Are You Ready For It?

Are You Ready For It

A Chicago-based theatrical tribute show recreating the energy, visuals, and biggest hits of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

Live band performance covering Taylor Swift’s biggest eras and hits
High-production show with costumes, choreography, and multimedia visuals
Led by tribute artist Traci Marie, designed for Swifties and pop audiences

Bear Williams

A seasoned Chicago musician delivering blues and folk-rooted performances with deep musical experience.

Blues, folk and roots with jazz/R&B background
Solo performer (multi-instrumentalist and vocalist)
Chicago-based artist with extensive professional career

Ben Tartar

Ben Tatar

A Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist and music educator known for interactive family performances, jazz versatility, and wide-ranging professional experience.

Multi-instrumental performer (jazz, classical, pop, and kids’ music)
Family and youth-focused shows with interactive, educational elements
Active Chicago musician performing in bands, festivals, and community programs

Chill Bill

A laid-back band offering easy listening rock suited for relaxed, casual audiences.

Easy listening and soft rock

Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute

A Chicagoland-based ABBA tribute band delivering a joyful, high-energy concert experience built around the iconic music of ABBA.

ABBA tribute featuring full live band and vocal harmonies
Nostalgic, feel-good show for adult audiences and dance fans
Touring Midwest act with a long-running Chicago music scene history

Denise LaGrassa

Denise LaGrassa Band

A Chicago-based blues-driven band blending traditional influences with a modern, soulful edge.

Blues, soul and rock with contemporary influences
Dynamic, high-energy live presence

Evanston Symphony

A long-standing volunteer orchestra founded in 1945, presenting classical performances alongside community education and outreach programs in Evanston and the North Shore.

Volunteer community orchestra performing classical and orchestral works
Evanston-based nonprofit with award-winning history and collaborations across the arts

Funky Enough

A Chicagoland jazz combo delivering versatile performances from classic swing to modern jazz.

Jazz styles including swing, smooth and contemporary
Small ensemble with piano, bass, drums and sax/flute

Istvan & His Imaginary Band

An award-winning kids’ rock performer delivering high-energy, interactive shows that entertain both children and adults.

Kids’ rock music with humor and educational elements
Family-friendly, highly interactive with sing-alongs and movement
Solo performer with a playful “imaginary band” concept

Jeff Julian

A rock musician fronting a high-energy band known for loud guitars and emotionally driven songwriting.

Rock with strong melodies and heavier guitar-driven sound
4-piece band (Vaudevileins)
Chicago and surrounding suburbs-based

Louie Zagoras

A veteran Chicago musician known for his work in rock and blues as a performer and songwriter.

Rock and blues originals and influences
Solo artist and bandleader
Longtime Chicago musician with decades of experience

Lydia Cash

A Chicago-based singer-songwriter known for intimate, emotionally driven original music.

Indie/folk-style originals with personal storytelling

Nanny Nikki

A Grammy®-nominated children’s performer who brings an upbeat, interactive show full of music, movement, and fun for young audiences.

Children’s music, sing-alongs, puppets, and dancing
Designed for kids and families, highly interactive
Performs solo or with her band, The Dapper Dudes

Nikki O’Neill & Rich Lackowski

A soulful Americana singer-songwriter performance with rich vocals and rhythmic backing.

Americana, soul and blues-influenced originals
Duo format with vocals, guitar and percussion

No Turn on Red

2026 Wilmette's Sounds of Summer band photo, No Turn On Red

No Turn On Red

A high-energy Chicago-based funk band blending classic grooves with New Orleans brass for a dance-filled live experience.

Funk, soul, and New Orleans brass-inspired sound
Best for adult audiences, festivals, and dancing crowds
Large ensemble of seasoned Chicago musicians

Roger That

A Chicago rock band delivering an authentic, high-energy throwback sound.

Surf, rockabilly and garage rock
Chicagoland-based full band with energetic live performances

Ruben Jai

A Chicago-based songwriter creating introspective, genre-spanning music rooted in storytelling.

Indie/folk-inspired originals with diverse influences

Scott & Sara

A versatile duo delivering crowd-pleasing covers across multiple genres.

Classic rock, pop and country covers
Adaptable for all audiences and event types

Senn Alan Band

A versatile Chicagoland act combining multiple American roots genres with a flexible live setup.

Acoustic blues, rock, bluegrass, country and folk

Serendipity

A Chicago suburban pop/rock band known for energetic performances and a wide-ranging setlist.

Pop and rock hits spanning multiple decades
High-energy, all-ages audience appeal
Chicagoland-based full band

Shelley Miller

A Chicago singer-songwriter bringing a soulful mix of original music and rock/pop covers.

Soulful originals with rock and pop influences
Chicago-based musician and educator

Stevie Swing & the Strangers in the Night

A Chicago-based jazz crooner and Sinatra tribute performer delivering classic swing, Rat Pack favorites, and timeless American standards.

Sinatra and Rat Pack tribute with jazz, swing, and classic pop
Performs solo through full band formats for adult audiences and events
Chicago-area entertainer with 20+ years of Midwest performance experience

Surfing Bird

A Chicago-based band blending surf rock, jazz and psychedelic influences into a unique instrumental sound.

Surf rock, surf jazz and psychedelic rock fusion
Instrumental-driven, niche and genre-blending style

The Feel Good Party Band Trio

A Chicago-based group delivering upbeat, crowd-pleasing hits that keep the energy high and the dance floor moving.

Party hits from the ’60s through today
Great for all ages, high-energy and dance-focused
Trio format with experienced local musicians

The Hogmires

A Chicago-based duo rooted in bluegrass with influences from classic American string music.

Bluegrass, old-time and country styles
Duo with guitar and mandolin
Acoustic, traditional sound

The Jolly Ringwalds

The Jolly Ringwalds are more than an 80s tribute band — they are a full-scale celebration of the decade that defined a generation. Bursting with neon energy, powerhouse musicianship, and nonstop audience engagement, the band delivers a high-impact show that transports audiences straight into the heart of the 1980’s.

The Oh Yeahs

An acoustic female trio blending tight vocal harmonies with a mix of popular and original music.

Acoustic pop with multi-part harmonies
Trio with guitar, ukulele, percussion and more
Chicago-based, great for relaxed and engaged audiences

The Petty Kings

A Chicago-based Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers tribute band delivering an authentic live concert experience of the iconic rock catalog.

Rock setlist covering major hits and fan favorites
6-piece Chicagoland band formed in 2016 with full vocal harmonies

The Rhythm Rockets

A Chicago-based vintage R&B band delivering high-energy performances of classic postwar rhythm and blues with an authentic retro style.

Vintage R&B and soul repertoire inspired by legends like Etta James and Ruth Brown
7-piece band with horns and a strong visual retro aesthetic
Fronted by vocalist Nicole Kestler, performing since 2000

The Simple Remedy

Rooted in Chicago, The Simple Remedy is a genre-blending powerhouse that brings together the soul of America’s musical past with the fire of its present. With a sound that fuses Country, Folk, Rock and Chicago Blues, their shows are anything but ordinary—no backing tracks, no gimmicks—just top-tier musicianship and raw, live energy.

The Wayouts

A Chicago band recreating the sound and spirit of 1960s rock with an interactive live experience.

1960s rock ‘n’ roll and classic hits
Full band with audience-request “jukebox” feature

The Yacht Rock-ettes

A Chicago-based all-female yacht rock tribute band delivering smooth, harmony-rich performances of 70s and 80s soft rock classics.

Yacht rock hits from artists like Hall & Oates, Toto, and Michael McDonald
Strong vocal harmonies with polished, nostalgic musicianship
Chicagoland cover band known for upbeat, feel-good retro sets

Tinfish

A Chicago folk duo performing a mix of traditional, classic and contemporary acoustic covers.

Folk, country and acoustic classics
Chicago-based duo with guitar-driven arrangements

Wilmette Community Band

A long-standing local ensemble bringing together musicians of all ages to perform classic and contemporary concert band music for the community.

Concert band repertoire, from traditional marches to modern works
Open to all skill levels, multi-generational group
Wilmette-based, performs at local events, parks, and civic celebrations

Photo Gallery

Check back soon for a look back on 2026 concerts!

Concert Schedule:

June 2026

July 2026

August 2026

September 2026

October 2026

Concert Locations

Wallace Bowl – Lake & Michigan Avenues

Located at the southern end of the Gillson Beach Parking Lot in Gillson Park.

Features bench-style seating plus space on the lawn in front of the stage to set up your own seating.
Restrooms available in the adjacent Lakeview Center.
Free concert parking at the Gillson Beach Parking Lot. The lot will open 45 minutes prior to Wallace Bowl shows – no beach parking permit required for the evening!

Village Green – 1200 Wilmette Avenue

Held on the front lawn at Village Hall.

Features open lawn for you to bring seating or a picnic blanket.
There are a limited number of picnic tables. First come, first served basis.
Port-a-pottys on-site (Not available at all shows)
Free parking available in the Metra lot and the Bermeister lot.

Mallinckrodt Park – Southwest corner of Ridge Road and Elmwood Avenue

Concerts take place at the Gazebo in the center of the park.

Features open lawn for you to bring seating or a picnic blanket.
Restrooms available in the adjacent Mallinckrodt Center.
Parking is available in the south Mallinckrodt Center lot, the north Elmwood Avenue lot, and the surrounding neighborhood.

Hibbard Park – 3000 Glenview Road

Concerts take place at the Pavillion in the center of the park.

Features open lawn for you to bring seating or a picnic blanket.
Restrooms available in the adjacent Community Recreation Center.
Parking is available in the Community Recreation Center Center parking lot and the surrounding neighborhood.

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Wilmette’s Sounds of Summer