Lyons’ Music in the Park
First of seven free shows is tonight in Veterans Park
By Steve Metsch
Are you looking for a fun summer night with free music? Lyons has you covered the next seven Wednesdays.
Lyons’ Music in the Park – delayed one week because of tornados and huge storms on July 12 – will kick off this evening in Veterans Park.
The park is located on the west side of Lawndale Avenue, between Ogden Avenue and the village hall. Parking is available on streets, and in lots north and south of the park.
The lineup is diverse. That’s always the goal, said Ted Tala, the village’s director of parks and recreation. He puts the lineup together each year.
“The only difficult part is we want to touch all the genres, and I think we did. A lot of groups preferred the August slots – for whatever the reason – but we covered all the bases.
“We tried to get some new bands in there, too,” Tala said after Tuesday night’s village board meeting.
“We’re always looking for new blood along with some good, local people as well.”
Bands will play from 6 to 9 p.m. each Wednesday through August. Here’s the lineup:
Tonight: Long Haul Road Show plays country and bluegrass music.
July 26: Strung Out plays classic rock, soul and funk. “Strung Out is amazing. They’re great musicians, ‘60s rock and everything. They were here two years ago,” Tala said.
Aug. 2: Who’s Followin’ Who. “They do play some Who and other rock bands. They market themselves as just an enormous rock show. We’ve had ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, but we’ve never focused on rock, rock, rock,” Tala said.
Aug. 9: Gipsi Band plays Serbian Baltic music. “We did a Serbian band last year. This band is more lyrical, do more Eastern Europe music. They’ll bring the fun this year. They’re recommended by our (Village) Trustee Ivica Lazich,” Tala said.
Aug. 16: Fuse Band plays Latin music. “There were at our Lyons Fest this year, they have a large following and they put on an amazing show for us.”
Aug. 23: Zorila plays alternative rock hits. “Zorila is good. They’re all rock guys” Tala said.
Aug 30: The Redmonds close out the season with folk, pop and blues music, Tala said.
You can purchase food each week or bring your own. The village does plan to rotate vendors so different cuisine is available each week, he said. Free popcorn and water will be available, as in past years.
And it’s always a good idea to bring folding or bag chairs.
Email Steve Metsch at sm4610@sbcglobal.net
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