Free live music hits four Wilmette parks from June through September under a single banner.
Village of Wilmette and the Wilmette Park District have merged separate concert lineups into one series called "Sounds of Summer" with over 30 acts at Wallace Bowl in Gillson Park, the Village Green downtown, Mallinckrodt Park Gazebo, and Hibbard Park Pavilion.
The Village's June 10 e-newsletter describes the partnership as the first time the two entities have combined their programming under one brand.
"We're bringing the bands together to give you all your FREE Wilmette outdoor concerts in one combined series! Still held at your favorite parks and downtown hangouts," The Park District's promotional page said.
Wednesday mornings are reserved for kids, with three concerts featuring opening acts hosted by children's librarians from Wilmette Public Library starting at 10 a.m., followed by the main performer at 10:30 a.m.
Children's artist Nanny Nikki, described by organizers as Grammy-nominated, is among the headliners.
The adult lineup spans Beatles tribute band American English, the Evanston Symphony (a volunteer orchestra founded in 1945), Wilmette-based rock band Animal Husbandry, The Rhythm Rockets (a seven-piece vintage R&B group fronted by vocalist Nicole Kestler), and a Taylor Swift Eras tribute called Are You Ready For It, led by Traci Marie, closing the season at Wallace Bowl on Thursday, September 24.
Wallace Bowl concerts come with free parking at the Gillson Beach lot, which opens 45 minutes before showtime. No beach parking permit required. Village Green shows have free parking in the Metra and Bermeister lots.
The next concerts on the schedule: Shelley Miller on Friday, June 19, 6–8 p.m. at the Village Green; the Wilmette Community Band on Thursday, June 25, 7–8:30 p.m. at Wallace Bowl; and Tinfish on Friday, June 26, 6–8 p.m. at the Village Green.
The full schedule is at wilmettepark.org/wilmettes-sounds-of-summer. Shows cancel in inclement weather; check the Park District's weather conditions page for updates.
Every show is free. No tickets, no registration.
President's Cup: Thursday, June 18
Wilmette's fire and police departments face off at West Park on Thursday, June 18, at 5:30 p.m. in the annual President's Cup charity softball game. Team Fire is defending its title.
Proceeds benefit two causes: IFSA's Camp I Am Me, a free one-week camp for young burn survivors now in its 35th year, and Special Olympics Illinois. Attendees who bring a food donation for the New Trier Township Food Pantry receive a free raffle ticket.
Both departments are also raffling off a "ride to school" for kids.
Beer comes from Double Clutch Brewing in Evanston, whose head brewer Scott Frank is a Wilmette resident. Hot dogs and brats come from the Lawn at Wilmette Golf Club.
All raffle and t-shirt proceeds, plus a portion of food and beer sales, go to the charities. Canning & Canning LLC is sponsoring the event. It's cashless, so bring cards or mobile pay only.
The Food Pantry's June priority needs list is available at wilmette.gov.
