Highwood's 28 Mile Distilling Launches Rock the Rails Summer Music Series

HIGHWOOD, IL — Highwood's 28 Mile Distilling Co. will launch a new Friday night concert series June 12, bringing national and rising artists to its venue near the Highwood Metra station through the end of summer.

The series, called Rock the Rails, is scheduled for every Friday at 8 p.m., with shows ending before the last train departs.

The event comes from the founder of Celebrate Highwood's Nashwood and Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest. Organizers said Rock the Rails is designed to connect independent artists and independent venues along the Metra rail line from Chicago to Kenosha through smaller performances and artist access at 28 Mile Distilling.

The series will feature artists from across the country, including Jimmie Allen, MIMS, Bubba Sparxxx and Michael Winslow. It describes 28 Mile Distilling as a first stop along the rails for artists on larger tours who are looking for a more intimate setting than bigger venues provide.

“As life continues to evolve, many of our patrons talk about missing true connections to music and artists, like it used to be,” says Eric Falberg, co-owner of 28 Mile Distillery and founder of Rock the Rails, “I want to get back to basics in truly supporting original nationally touring artists while delivering the intimate performances music lovers crave by connecting fans and other smaller venues to musicians along the way.”

The summer schedule begins June 12 with Kelly Daniels and continues June 19 with Blake Tyler. After a break in the listed dates, the series resumes July 10 with Chase-N-Tyler, followed by Alex Key on July 17, MIMS on July 24 and Kendal Tucker and Carson Lee on July 31.

August dates include Bubba Sparxxx on Aug. 7, Michael Winslow on Aug. 14, Jimmie Allen on Aug. 21 and Erin Stroll on Aug. 28. The announcement says all Rock the Rails shows begin at 8 p.m.

28 Mile Distilling also announced additional weekly music events. Dead Wednesdays will feature Grateful Dead music with local and touring musicians and all-you-can-eat pizza from 7 to 10 p.m. Bluegrass Sundays are scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. with all-you-can-eat pizza and a salad bar, and Rooftop Sundays with Mr. Blotto will begin at 4:20 p.m.