4 Teen Acts Kick Off Oak Lawn's First Teen Showcase

OAK LAWN, IL — In the tradition of Kevin Cronin, the most famous musician to emerge from Oak Lawn, four teens will take over the gazebo stage in the rescheduled Teen Showcase July 18. The concert begins at 7 p.m. on the Oak Lawn Village Green, 9446 S. Raymond Ave.

The teen showcase was cancelled last week due to rain, as were many other outdoor events. The weather forecast for this coming Sunday looks more promising.

The Oak Lawn Arts and Events Commission retired Fall On The Green’s teen battle of the bands of the past several years to allow more village tees a shot to perform on a stage in front of a live audience of hundreds. The commission selected the final four teen performers from among the audition videos, who submitted audition videos.

These final four acts — Camii Nutlie, Vibe Dealers, Lanisa Eriana and Pat Roche — describe their acts and musical influences in their own words.

Cami Nutile — Hi there! I'm Cami! I'm a singer-songwriter in the Chicago area! I play a lot of acoustic pop and I'm heavily influenced by artists Taylor Swift, Tessa Violet, Orla Gartland, Jade Bird, etc. I’ve participated [in] and won a past Oak Lawn talent show [Oak Lawn’s Got Talent, July of 2018]. I’ve also done many open mics in the Chicago area.

Vibe Dealers — The Vibe Dealers are a rock band consisting of lead singer Abby Hobbs from Oak Lawn and guitarist Joey Fraider. Abby has been in choir for several years, and her biggest musical influences are Cheap Trick, Pearl Jam, and Bon Jovi. Joey has been playing guitar for four years and has played in the Richards [H.S.] Jazz Band as well as Concert Band and Marching Band. His biggest musical influences are Cheap Trick, Foo Fighters and Nirvana.

Lanisa Eriana — I was in multiple musicals and plays throughout my childhood and I’ve always loved to sing. I also performed in a variety show at my high school [Oak Lawn Community High School] and was featured in the Chicago Tribune for my performance [December 4th, 2020]. I also have music available on iTunes and other platforms. I also write and produce my own songs and also won third place in a virtual singing contest. My musical influences are my father, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, and many more.

Pat Roche - I’ve been playing since I was around 4 or 5 and always jammed with Tony Krokos (my uncle) when I was younger. Eddie Van Halen and several other ‘70s, ‘80s & ‘90s hard rock bands are my favorite.

The teen showcase is part of the free Sunday Concert Series, sponsored by the village and Oak Lawn Park District. Bring your chairs, blankets, snacks and beverages and enjoy an evening of music in the fresh air. The restrooms in the village hall lobby will be open during the concert.