One of the many assets we have for live music in the greater Champaign-Urbana is Allerton Park, which has been throwing some awesome concerts of all genres (and for all ages) for the past few years.
On August 5th, they’re back with Henhouse Prowlers and the Ben Miller Band for a night of bluegrass in Allerton’s meadow.
For more info, check out Allerton’s press release below:
Allerton’s August concert features bluegrass in the Meadow
Monticello – Allerton Park and Retreat Center will host their Bluegrass on the Prairie concert, presented by the U of I Community Credit Union, on Friday, August 5 at 6pm, at the estate, 515 Old Timber Road, Monticello.
Back for their third year performing at Allerton, Chicago’s Henhouse Prowlers will kick things off, playing original material inspired by the roots of bluegrass, as well as traditional songs and contemporary covers. Then, fresh off their European tour, the Ben Miller Band will take the stage with music featuring elements of folk, blues, bluegrass, and country. Concert-goers will also be able to enjoy food and drinks available for purchase, including selections from The Caribbean Grill Food Truck.
The past two concerts at Allerton – June’s Irish Fest and July’s Reds, Whites, and the Blues – have brought out over 1,000 attendees to enjoy live music in the unique outdoor setting on Allerton’s Gate House Lawn. August’s Bluegrass on the Prairie will be the first performance held in the rolling 14-acre Meadow.
“Bluegrass is always one of our most popular shows,” said Derek Peterson, Associate Director at Allerton Park. “Holding the concert in the Meadow allows us to increase capacity, and it’s also a great test-run for September’s concert with Rusted Root.”
The Allerton Festival on September 16 will feature popular 90’s rock band Rusted Root, along with “The Voice” contestant Lupe Carroll and the University of Illinois’ steel band I-Pan. Nearly 400 tickets have already been sold, and organizers are expecting approximately 2,000 attendees.
“We’ve had a great response so far, and are looking forward to hosting people from all over the region at Allerton,” Peterson explained. “The direction we’re moving is a festival-type atmosphere. Maybe multi-day events. We’re not there yet, but that is the direction we’re heading.”
The concerts are made possible with the support of presenting sponsor, the University of Illinois Community Credit Union, as well as: the News-Gazette, The Ayers Family, Illinois Public Media, Country Arbors, The Friends of Allerton, Kirby Medical Center, AHW LLC, The Atkins Group, Champaign Surplus, Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD), The Herbold Family Trust, Kelly’s Accounting Service, Inc., Kennedy Hutson Associates, and Sterling Wealth Management.
There is a fee at the gate. Food and drink will be available for purchase and guests should bring blankets or chairs. For the complete 2016 concert schedule and more information visit allerton@illinois.edu or call (217) 333-3287.
Photo by the Allerton Park Photography Group