Summer Concert Series Comes To Manhattan

MANHATTAN, IL - A free summer concert series is coming to Manhattan, with events planned in June, July and August this year. The "A Sip of Summer Concert Series" will be added to the Manhattan Park District's list of free events that offer entertainment for Manhattan residents and visitors.

Concert events will run from 6-8 p.m. at Central Park, 110 S. Park Road. The lineup in the series' first year will kickoff with the Johnny Russler & The Beach Bum Band on June 20. Other concerts booked there are Spoken Four on July 18 and the Hillbilly Rockstarzz on Aug. 15.

Admission comes at no extra cost for Manhattan taxpayers. Concessions, beer and wine will be sold.

"We are hoping that the concert series will catch the attention of our residents and that they will enjoy it," said Jay Kelly, executive director of the Manhattan Park District. "It should be a fun summer activity for all residents of Manhattan to come to Central Park, have a good time and see all that the Park District is offering with new and exciting programs for the community."

The concerts are open to anyone. Organizers hope to get 1,000 people in the park for some of these nights. A successful first year could mean more bands booked in 2019 and beyond.

"We'd love to have two a month," Kelly said.

Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs, blankets and claim their spot on the grass. There's parking around town, at the Metra lot nearby and in the park itself.

A concert series in Manhattan has long been a desire in the community, Vicki Pacewic, recreation supervisor at the Park District, said.

"Off and on for years people have been asking for different kinds of music in the park," Pacewic said.

Photo: The stage where bands will play this summer at Central Park / Courtesy of Manhattan Park District