Peter Frampton, Huey Lewis among big names at Elgin concert series

With acts such as Peter Frampton and Michael McDonald this weekend and Huey Lewis and the News in July, Elgin Victoria Casino is accomplishing what it set out to do three years ago – draw crowds.

“We wanted to find a way to attract people to Elgin,” said Marilou Pilman, advertising manager for Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin.

Get them to the casino’s nearby Festival Park, and, “The hope is they would then take the extra steps to check out our property,” she said.

The casino’s Summer Concert Series has grown from three performances in 2013 to this summer’s nine concerts featuring big-name acts. Grammy award-winners Frampton and McDonald perform June 19, followed on July 3 by rock bands Boston and Night Ranger, both known for their classic rock hits made popular in the 1980s.

A Fourth of July festival and fireworks show will feature Herman’s Hermits, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap and Gary Lewis & the Playboys.

Future acts include country hit-maker Gary Allan on July 18, Huey Lewis and the News with the Gin Blossoms on July 19, country acts Jerrod Niemann and Rodney Atkins on Aug. 7 and Big Head Todd and the Monsters on Aug. 22.

“This is the third year, and I think it’s an even better lineup than we’ve had in the first two years,” Pilman said.

Previous years have featured hard rockers Joan Jett, Lynyrd Skynyrd and singers from Poison, Cinderella and Twisted Sister, as well as the Marshall Tucker Band and tribute and country acts.

Held at Festival Park, the concerts attract a wide range of genres and ages, Pilman said.

“What makes our concerts a little different is that we make it almost like a festival atmosphere because we have food and beverage tents,” she said. “It’s a party with great entertainment. … Where else are you going to get to see acts like the ones we have with free parking, and it’s not as daunting to get to as other places.”

Tickets range in price for all concerts, with lawn seats for the upcoming Frampton/McDonald concert starting at $40. For information and tickets, visit www.gvctickets.com.