Arts & Entertainment
FREE "Concerts On The Hill" 41st Season at Bicentennial Park Kicks-Off June 4!
Come relax and enjoy free family entertainment 6:30 pm every Thursday June 4-August27 in the beautiful park along the river downtown Joliet.
Warm days, soft grass, sweet music and 50¢ lemonades are still found down by river at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park. Join us for the 41st FREE “Concerts On The Hill” rolling onto the big bandshell Thursday, June 4 at 6:30 pm.
Come early to get your spot on the large grassy hill — it fills fast, especially for the first concert, which features the talented Metropolitan Youth Symphony, directed by Dr. Lawrence Sisk, and the award-winning Joliet American Legion Band, directed by Tom Drake. Your emcee will be Bill Drilliing, your ushers the Joliet Exchange Club and Wadsworth Golf Construction Company is sponsoring June’s entertainment.
Join us every Thursday at 6:30 pm during June, July and August for a wonderful variety of free, family entertainment in a beautiful park on historic Bluff Street downtown Joliet. The parking is free, too!
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For a relaxing evening each week, all you need is your favorite chair or blanket for hill seating. If you get to the Park early, you might even find a Park bench available – prime location at the top of the hill! Actually the entire big hill offers great views of the lighted bandshell, majestic trees, rolling river and downtown Joliet. For added convenience, chairs may be rented from the Park for $1. Perfect if you want to have your hands free for that popcorn-for-the-road.
Don’t worry about dinner either, as the Park still offers their delicious $2 beef hot dogs with free toppings. Other affordable concessions will be available, such as nachos, root beer floats, popcorn and more. Picnic baskets are also welcome.
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So bring your appetite, your favorite blanket, relax and enjoy the many talented acts. For those who were here the night the polka party broke out and started the conga line through the audience…they’re back August 20!
This will be a very special week, as there will also be Tuesday concert. On August 18 at 6:30 pm, the park is privileged to present the United States Air Force of Mid-America Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble! It is quite an honor for Joliet and the surrounding area, as the Scott Air Force Base jazz band has only have 3 Illinois performances this summer. Bicentennial Park is honored to host their first Illinois stop and only performance in the south suburbs. Mark your calendars and tell your friends to meet you here, as these world-class musicians and vocalists will knock your socks off. You’ll want your dancing shoes when you hear their swinging big bands medleys to modern jazz arrangements and beautiful renditions by soloists. Audience members are invited to wear their favorite shade of blue, paying homage to these talented service men and women.
Quality entertainment such as this would not be possible without the steadfast, generous sponsors: Wadsworth Golf Construction Company, CenterPoint Properties and Joliet Township Government.
The Park recognizes the many dedicated volunteers that lend their talent and time: national anthem soloists, emcees, concession helpers and all the ushers: Joliet Exchange Club (June), Joliet Kiwanis (July) and Joliet Lions (August – bring those old eye glasses for their drive. Lions will also be offering eye-health screenings.)
The Park especially appreciates the Joliet Police Auxiliary, courtesy of the Joliet Police Department, who volunteer their services every concert to ensure safe pedestrian crossing and traffic flow. Free parking is located in the Park and in lots south of Jefferson Street.
With everyone’s continued support over the years, along with the City of Joliet, Mayor Bob O’Dekirk and all the Joliet City Council members, we can say welcome to the 41st summer of free entertainment downtown Joliet!
41st FREE “Concerts On The Hill”
Every Thursday at 6:30 pm in June, July and August. Bring your chairs & blankets for hill seating.
***Additional concert on Tuesday, August 18 - USAF Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble***
JUNE 2015
Sponsored by Wadsworth Golf Construction Company
Ushered by Joliet Exchange Club
June 4
Metropolitan Youth Symphony
Joliet American Legion Band
June 11
Bicentennial “Pops” Band
The Rocky Horror Show Musical Preview
Tinley Park Community Band
June 18
Joliet Central High School Big Band
JTHS Alumni Choir
June 25
Bicentennial “Pops” Band
The Rocky Horror Show Musical Preview
Joliet Junior College Jazz Band
JULY 2015
Sponsored by CenterPoint Properties
Ushered by Joliet Kiwanis Club
July 2
Bicentennial “Pops” Band with
Naperville Men’s Glee Club
July 9
TT Nelson Swing Band
Vocalist Karen Isberg
July 16
Bicentennial “Pops” Band
Cloggin’ Craze & Kidz Clog
July 23
Vocalist Cheryl Foster
Joliet American Legion Band
July 30
Midwest Crossroad Chorus of Sweet Adelines International
Del Bergeson Swing Orchestra
AUGUST 2015
Sponsored by Joliet Township Government
Ushered by Joliet Lions Clubs
August 6
Bicentennial “Pops” Band
Vocalist Lexi Smith and J Studio Voices
August 13
Frankfort Brass Band
New People Singers
August 18
***Tuesday, 6:30 pm***
United States Air Force Band of Mid-America Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble
Add to the fun and wear your favorite shade of blue - let’s see if we can fill the hill!
August 20
Eddie Korosa, Jr & The Boys from Illinois Polka Band
Frank Rossi and the Sounds of Sinatra
August 27
Joliet Central High School Marching Band
Joliet Township High School Orchestra
Joliet American Legion Band
