Battle of the Bands to Hit Joliet Park

After a hugely successful “Rocky Horror Show” musical last month, the folks at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park are eager to rock the bluffs during a “Battle of the Bands” event scheduled for the evening of Saturday, July 25. The musical extravaganza will run from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at the Park’s outdoor bandshell at 201 West Jefferson Street in downtown Joliet along historic Bluff Street. Amateur bands, garage bands and others have already been registering to participate, and more are encouraged. The registration deadline is July 13 for bands who wish to send in audition materials and earn a chance to compete. A total of six bands will compete for the top three spots, with a $600 cash reward for the winning band $500 for 2nd Place and $400 for Third Place. “Battle of the Bands” is open to the public, and Park admission for the night will be just $5 per person. Concessions will be available for purchase.

The recently-announced closure of the Jefferson Street bridge will not cause any trouble for those attending, according to Park officials. The Park entrance and its ample parking are accessible without crossing the bridge from the west. In fact, officials report that virtually exclusive access to Jefferson Street will make it easier than ever for bands, their groupies, and guests to experience the event. Visitors will have uninhibited access to parking in the lots south and north of Jefferson Streets, and City of Joliet police will monitor the crossing, as is the case at every Bicentennial Park event.

Visitors to the “Battle of the Bands” are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets as seating is available on the hill, adjacent to the historic bluffs. Bands interested in competing can contact the Park by phone or via Facebook. The Park’s newly-launched and fully updated website provides information on this and other events, including this weekend’s Youth Drama Program performance, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” to be performed on July 11 and 12 at bicentennialpark.org. Contact Bicentennial Park at 815.724.3760.