Music lovers, dance lovers, outdoor lovers, get ready for award-winning performers playing under the stars at the annual Concerts in the Plaza music series. Seven concerts will be held at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, 7:30 pm Tuesdays, June 22 through July 27. The concerts are held at the preserve's outdoor Millennia Plaza overlooking a 115-acre lake. A new concert has been added at the outdoor amphitheater at Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. 

From Beatles to the blues, from rock and bluegrass to swing and jazz, there’s something for just about any music taste in this season's entertainment lineup. View full band descriptions and 2021 concert lineup. This year's concerts are supported by North Shore Gas (platinum sponsor), Libertyville Bank and Trust (bronze sponsor), and Lake County Journal (media sponsor). 

• June 22: De Hurricane Reggae Band holds the Chicago Music Award for Best Reggae Entertainer in 2018. Get ready to experience a true Caribbean vibe, a total party package with reggae, soca, calypso, a little jazz and blues, and a taste of real island culture and sound from De Hurricane.
• June 29: The Chicago Skyliners Big Band was formed in 1988 for the purpose of prolonging the musical memory of the Big Band Era. Blue Birdland Jazz recording artists, the Band features the music of Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Sammy Nestico, Stan Kenton, and Maynard Ferguson to name a few. A house band at FitzGerald's Night Club in Berwyn since 1991, The Chicago Skyliners Big Band following has grown to become one of the top Big Bands in Chicagoland.
• July 6: The North 41 is back by popular demand and one of Chicago’s hottest up-and-coming bands. The group has an irresistible funk and groove that surely cannot go unnoticed. The band has supported major names such as The Main Squeeze, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow seekers, and has a major year ahead including a headlining festival performance at Summer Camp Music Festival.
• July 13: Mason Rivers is a high-energy country band that covers the best of today’s country music as well as your favorite classics. The band was formed from some of the finest musical talent in the Chicagoland area. Strong male and female lead vocalists and a rich diversity of musical background and skill result in an exciting sound that’s bigger than country, stronger than rock.
• July 20: Kaleidoscope Eyes pays homage to the band that’s the official soundtrack of generations of families. Come see and hear why audiences across Chicagoland are raving about this captivating, crowd-engaging band! There’s a reason why they’re Chicago’s best and most fun lovin’ acoustic Beatles tribute band.
• July 27: Rico’s hypnotic blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms is heavily influenced by the sound and spirit of Santana. The band creates a fiery soulful sound through bass, congas, percussion, drums, timbales, keyboards, and guitar.
• August 3: An Adam Ezra Group performance is a community-driven experience, propelled by the spirit of the audience. Hailing from Boston, the roots rock band takes an unconventional approach to the music world allowing them to emerge as one of the most uniquely powerful, underground live music experiences in the country. The band has opened for The Wallflowers, John Oates, Graham Parker, and America. 

"The concerts have always been a popular attraction during the summer. We are thrilled to add a new concert at Greenbelt this season," said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. 

View full band descriptions and 2021 concert lineup.

Independence Grove Entrance Fee and Concert Details

• Entrance is $10 per car after 5 pm on event nights. For your safety, and as a courtesy to preserve neighbors, please park in preserve lots only. Cars will be turned away when parking lots are full.  
• For concert reminders, weather updates or to learn if a concert has been canceled, call 847-968-3499, view status map here or get updates via Twitter. There is no rescheduling if a concert is canceled.
• Concerts are open to all ages and are held at the preserve's outdoor amphitheater overlooking a 115-acre lake. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Arrive early to secure your spot. 
• Pack a picnic, or purchase a light dinner, snack or beverage from the preserve's walk-up café or from the new Beer Garden at Independence Grove.  
• To make your concert outing even more memorable, call 847-968-3499 to reserve a pontoon boat for your group of up to six.

Pets Not Permitted
With the exception of service animals, dogs, horses and other pets are not permitted at Independence Grove.

Sponsorship Opportunities
If you are interested in learning about concert sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves at 847-968-3434.

Directions
The entrance to Independence Grove is located on Buckley Road (Route 137) just east of Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21) and west of River Road in Libertyville. 
The entrance to Greenbelt Cultural Center is on the east side of Green Bay Road (Route 131), between 10th and 14th streets, south of Route 120 (Belvidere Road).
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Courtesy of Kim Karpeles
Summer concerts are returning to Independence Grove Forest Preserve this summer. A new concert is being offered at Greenbelt Cultural Center.