Popular venues offer outdoor concerts

As the heat of the day begins to wane and the fireflies emerge, venues throughout the suburbs transform themselves into outdoor concert venues where guests can enjoy live music.

Music under the stars

Along with lions, tigers and bears, Brookfield Zoo offers visitors music and lights every Friday and Saturday night in July. Twilight Tunes takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on the zoo's east side and features a live concert and laser light show, along with food trucks, beer carts and a chance to enjoy a summer evening under the stars.

Leah Rippe, vice president of marketing and communications, said a few changes have taken place since the last summer concerts in 2019. The zoo has opened up a larger area from which to watch the show while limiting the number of people admitted. The goal, she said, is to offer a comfortable, safe and fun experience for all.

The bands also were carefully chosen to offer a variety of styles for a variety of audiences.

"Our lineup has such a wide genre. There's definitely something for everybody," Rippe said.

Music starts at 7 p.m. each evening, and visitors are welcome to pack their own food, blankets and chairs to enhance their experience. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for children 3-11 and seniors 65 and older. Twilight Tunes tickets do not include admission to the zoo, which closes at 6 p.m. or $15 parking.

The zoo is at 8400 31st St. Visit https://www.CZS.org/TwilightTunes for tickets and more information.

Lineup

Friday, July 8: ARRA, classic rock

Saturday, July 9: Boy Band Review

Friday, July 15: Sixteen Candles, '80s hits

Saturday, July 16: American English, Beatles tribute

Friday, July 22: 7th Heaven, classics and original rock

Saturday, July 23: Hillbilly Rockstarz, country rock

Friday, July 29: Southern Accents, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute

Saturday, July 30: House Party, club music

Concerts amongst the trees

While weekends are a great time to take in an outdoor concert, opportunities to enjoy live music can be found all week long. Morton Arboretum presents Arbor Evenings on Wednesday evenings in July and August. Shows take place from 6 to 8 p.m., with admission beginning at 5:15 p.m. Beer and wine are available for purchase, along with food from participating food trucks. Guests also are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Every ticket includes access to the arboretum. Tickets are $13 for adults and $5 for children, with discounts for members.

The arboretum is at 4100 Route 53 in Lisle. Visit https:/www.mortonarb.org.

Lineup

July 13: Howard and the White Boys, blues

July 20: Jose Valdes and the Mambo All-Stars, Latin

July 27: Semple, rock, pop and more

Aug. 3: The Four C Notes, Four Seasons tribute

Aug. 10: One Night Band, rock, pop and more

Aug. 17: Hillbilly Rockstarz, country rock

Aug. 24: The PriSSillas,

all-female cover band

Enjoy music lakeside at COD

The McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage is hosting free entertainment at its Lakeside Pavilion on COD's Glen Ellyn Campus on Thursday, Fridays and Sundays this summer.

Lineup

Friday night Pop Music Series

July 15: Through the Years, Kenny Rogers tribute

July 22: The Greatest Piano Men, tribute to Elton John, Billy Joel, Steve Wonder and more

July 29: Magic of Motown

Aug. 5: New Philharmonic, pops, marches and movie scores

All concerts are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. Audiences are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to the Friday night concerts to benefit the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry and College of DuPage Student Fuel Pantry.

Large blankets, large coolers and alcohol are not allowed. Food vendors will be available.

WDCB Jazz Series

July 21: Altoizm with special guest Antonio Hart

July 28: Kenny Garrett

Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday Family Series

July 17: Ralph's World, 2 p.m.

July 24: "Family Fiesta!" featuring Mariachi Monumental and Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl, 2 p.m.

July 31: "Artrageous" art, rock music, comedy and lights, 4 p.m.

COD is at 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. Call (630) 942-4000 or visit https://www.atthemac.org for more information.

Cantigny fills park with music

Concerts are scattered throughout the calendar and the landscape of Cantigny Park this summer.

Jeff Reiter, senior communications manager at Cantigny in Wheaton, said guests to the park's summer concerts are welcome to bring blankets, chairs and coolers. He also hopes they will arrive early to take in all Cantigny has to offer, including its outdoor summer art exhibit, Alebrijes.

Food trucks and beverage vendors are on site. Admission to all concerts is included with parking, which is $10 per car unless stated otherwise.

Cantigny is at 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton. Visit https://www.cantigny.org.

Lineup

July 9: Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers, 6 p.m., military park

July 10: Dancing Queen, ABBA tribute, 3 p.m. band shell

July 17: One of These Nights, Eagles tribute, 3 p.m., band shell

July 24: American English, Beatles tribute, 3 p.m., band shell

July 30: West Suburban Symphony Orchestra, cinema classics, 7 p.m., military park

July 31: Libido Funk Circus, dance and party band, 3 p.m., band shell

July 31: Mariachi Herencia de Mexico, 7 p.m., military park

August 3: Sammy & the Knights, rock and roll, R&B and soul, 6 p.m. military park, free parking

Aug. 7: Semple, rock, pop and more, 3 p.m. band shell

Aug. 13: Heartache Tonight, Eagles tribute, 5:30 p.m. parade field, $15 parking

Aug. 21: Four C Notes, Four Seasons tribute, 3 p.m., band shell

Aug. 28: Vital Signs pop, 3 p.m., band shell

Sept. 4: Anchors Away, yacht rock, 3 p.m. band shell

Sept. 5: Radio Gaga, Lady Gaga and Queen tribute, 3 p.m., band shell