It’s beautiful outside today. In fact, it kind of reminds you of what it’s like when it isn’t bone-chillingly cold in central Illinois, and you can do fun things outside, like go to a concert at one of the most unique places in the State of Illinois: Allerton Park.
Today, they’ve announced their concert schedule for 2017, presented by the University of Illinois Community Credit Union. For the full slate of events, check out what Allerton had to say below:
Allerton announces 2017 concert schedule
Monticello – Allerton Park and Retreat Center has announced the schedule for their Concert Series, presented by the University of Illinois Community Credit Union. Music and nature lovers will be able to enjoy some old favorites, along with new talent, in the unique setting at Allerton, 515 Old Timber Road, Monticello.
Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players, who performed two sell-out shows at Allerton in 2014, will return for the Kids’ Concert on May 13. The Summer Kick Off Concert on June 2 will feature “raw and soul-rich” music from Birds of Chicago and the popular Champaign-based Americana duo, The Bashful Youngens.
Reds, Whites, and the Blues on June 30 welcomes local favorite The Blues Deacons, opening for the three-time Blues Music Award nominee The Cash Box Kings. Skipper’s Alley, the seven-piece ensemble out of Dublin, will headline Irish Fest on August 4, along with returning crowd-favorite The Shanties.
The inaugural Prairie Sky Music Festival, a two-day event held August 18-19, will feature nationally-known talent that will be announced at a later date. Other shows scheduled with performers TBA include the Campfire Jamboree on September 22, a new addition to the popular Family Campout in Allerton’s Meadow, and the collaboration with the University of Illinois’ School of Music, the Allerton Music Barn Festival on September 29-30.
While organizer Derek Peterson, Allerton’s Associate Director, focuses on booking quality, original entertainment, he notes that the Park is working to provide a cultural experience that is based not only on sounds, but also on surroundings.
“Friends and family who gather often face inward, choosing to converse and engage with each other rather than just watching the stage. You will see generations gather under a star-filled sky to listen to the sounds of the performer, but also to the sounds of children’s laughter and grandparents hurrying after those children,” Peterson said. “The experience becomes as important as the music.”
Peterson also notes that food and drink options will continue to expand this year, as well as amenities for families with young children.
The University of Illinois Community Credit Union has once again signed-on as the presenting sponsor.Additional sponsors include: The Ayers Family, Illinois Public Media, Country Arbors, The Friends of Allerton, Kirby Medical Center, Orange & Blue Distributing Company, AHW LLC, Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD), The Herbold Family Trust, and Kennedy Hutson Associates.
Food and drink will be available for purchase at all shows; guests should bring blankets or chairs for outdoor concerts. For more information about the schedule, tickets, and overnight accommodations visit allerton@illinois.edu or call 217-333-3287.
2017 Allerton Park Concert Series presented by the U of I Credit Union:
Kids’ Concert: May 13
Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players |11am
Gate House Lawn
$5/kid + $8/adult, at the gateSummer Kick Off: June 2
6-7pm The Bashful Youngens|7:30-9pm Birds of Chicago
Gate House Lawn
$5/person + $10/family, at the gateReds, Whites, and the Blues: June 30
6-7pm Billy Galt & the Blues Deacons | 7:30-9pm Cash Box Kings
Gate House Lawn
$5/person + $10/family, at the gateIrish Fest: August 4
6-7pm The Shanties| 7:30-9pm Skipper’s Alley
Gate House Lawn
$5/person + $10/family, at the gatePrairie Sky Music Festival: August 18-19
TBA
Meadow
Advanced purchase recommendedCampfire Jamboree: September 22
TBA
Meadow
Advanced purchase recommendedMusic Barn Festival: September 29-30
TBA
Music Barn
Advanced purchase recommended
Photo by Steve Hoffman