Frankfort marks 35 years of Sunday summer concerts
If something’s been working well for 35 years, it makes sense to stick with it.
Frankfort’s summer tradition of Sunday night concerts at Breidert Green Park, known as Concerts on the Green, brings close to 1,000 people each week to hear a different free performance organized by the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce, and they plan to keep the music playing this year.
“It’s become just an awesome part of the summer here,” said Pauline Modjeski, executive director of the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce. “You get to sit in front of an outdoor stage. Everybody brings their lawn chairs and blankets. Some people have been coming here for 35 years.”
The concerts are held most Sundays between June 19 and August 28, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday nights and lasting until 8 p.m.
The musicians performing at Concerts on the Green this year include:
June 19: Bernie Glim. This country performer from Blue Island has toured the country as a guitarist and opened for bands like ELO and Styx.
June 26: Backdated. The fivepiece rock band performs the best of American and British classic rock from the 1960s and ‘70s.
July 3: Frankfort Brass Band. The local band has a history dating back to 1897, and the current group began performing in 2005 at events in Frankfort and around the Chicago area.
July 17: Rockin’ Fenderskirts. This oldies band plays music from the ‘50s and ‘60s, including songs like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Great Balls of Fire” and “Twist and Shout.”
July 24: Second Hand Soul. Settle into a taste of Motown with this band that performs hits from artists like Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.
July 31: Midnight. This sevenpiece band offers a little bit of everything from every era, with a vast repertoire running from the Beatles and classic rock to modern country and pop hits.
Aug. 7: Sushi Roll. With a unique blend of high-energy dance music and “rock ‘n’ roll swagger,” Sushi Roll has become a popular Chicago-area party band. It describes itself as “one part driving rock band, one part lighthearted pop and one part over-the-top theatrical verve.” Expect to hear songs from Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Nelly, Pink and the Jackson 5.
Aug. 14: The Hat Guys. They also play hits spanning 50 years with a highly energetic show filled with the “revelry of a New Orleans Mardi Gras parade.”
Aug. 21: Rosie and the Rivets. Head back to the 50s and early 60s with this retro rock ‘n’ roll tribute show. This female-fronted band highlights the first 10 years of rock while mixing in favorites from girl groups, rockabilly, R&B, surf music and British invasion.
Aug. 28: Outcast Jazz Band. End the concert season with a true throwback.
The Outcast Jazz Band features 17 members, including five saxophones, four trombones, four trumpets and a full rhythm section. Hear big-band classics from the ’30s to the ’50s as well as a mix of contemporary music backed by the powerful sound of these musicians.
The concert series doesn’t offer food or other vendors, so pack your own picnic lunch or take advantage of the restaurants that surround the park.
“All the restaurants are open, so you can sit outside and listen to the music as you eat or enjoy a cocktail,” Modjeski said. “It’s just a cool area to be in on Sunday nights when the music is playing.”