The Venue plans sizzling August music lineup, including Batavia’s Pat Bergeson

The Venue, the 200-seat music performance space in downtown Aurora, continues with its Music In Mundy Outdoor Concert Series.

Agnes Mundy Park, adjacent to The Venue, is an outdoor space perfect for presenting shows and adhering to COVID-19 safety guidelines, a news release stated. All shows are rain or shine. All information and schedules can be found at themusicvenue.org.

Terrapin Flyer celebrates the musical genius of Jerry Garcia on Friday, Aug. 6. Garcia was born on Aug. 1 and passed on Aug. 9. The Deadheads commonly refer to this time period as “the days between.” Terrapin Flyer has been a Grateful Dead institution since its inception in 1999. The band has worked with many of Garcia’s fellow musicians and toured endlessly spreading the music of Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead. No two Terrapin shows are remotely the same. What goes down in Mundy Park will be a unique Dead experience. Showtime is 8 p.m. General admission terrace seats cost $20, and general admission lawn seating costs $15.

All prices increase by $5 at the door.

Lurrie Bell will light up Mundy Park with some real blues on Saturday, Aug. 7. Son of bluesman Carey Bell, Lurrie has been playing the blues professionally since he was a child. Lurrie has worked with Willie Dixon, Koko Taylor, Eddie “The Chief” Clearwater, and his father Carey Bell, just to name a few. He was a founding member of The Sons Of Blues with Freddie Dixon and Billy Branch, and has received many accolades and awards for his recordings. Lurrie Bell is a Chicago treasure and not to be missed. Showtime is 8 p.m., with tickets at $20 and $15.

The Nick Moss Trio brings its blues Sunday, Aug. 8. Recipient of the 2020 Blues Blast Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album, Moss is a force to be reckoned with. He cut his teeth with Chicago luminaries like Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Jimmy Rogers and Jimmy “Fast Fingers” Dawkins. He formed his own band in 1997. Soulful music from a soulful man and soulful band. Showtime is 7 p.m., with tickets at $15 and $10.

Ivy Ford performs Thursday, Aug. 12. Called “Chicago’s Blues Kitten” and considered one of the young bloods on the scene, Ford has created quite a name for herself. She fronts her own band, and has opened for a lot of the greats including Buddy Guy. Her shows are upbeat and rocking while paying homage to blues tradition. Catch this modern blues wonder before she’s playing stadiums, concert organizers said in the release. Showtime is 8 p.m., with tickets at $15 and $10.

The Steepwater Band brings rock and roll Saturday, Aug. 14. True road warriors, The Steepwater Band have been everywhere and played with almost everyone; Aerosmith, Bad Company, and REO Speedwagon are just a few classic bands that have brought in TSB to open for them. Their sound is raw and old school. The songs seem somewhat familiar yet are entirely new. Their music hearkens back to a time when hair was long and jeans were dirty. Bring your Bic lighters (figuratively, please). Showtime is 8 p.m., with tickets at $25 and $20.

Album Covers Presents “The Band – Stage Fright” on Sunday Aug. 15. “It’s truly a beautiful album,” Scott Tipping said in the release. “At the time, it sort of baffled the critics and its audience, but it has stood the test of time and become an absolute classic.” Two sets will be performed on Sunday. First set, Stage Fright. Second set will consist of classic hits and deep cuts from The Band. Joining Tipping will be Electric Dirt, Gerald Dowd, Dave Nelson, Scott Stevenson and John Abbey. Showtime is 7 p.m., with tickets at $20 and $15.

Alyssa Allgood makes her debut appearance at The Venue on Thursday, Aug. 19. The singer received the Best Jazz Entertainer award in 2019 from The Chicago Music Awards. She also won the Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition in 2017. Allgood has performed at The Lincoln Center Shanghai, The Jazz Showcase, Birdland, The Green Mill and other prestigious jazz institutions. Her last release, “Exactly Like You,” was touted as “vocal record of the year” by Chicago Jazz Magazine. Showtime is 8 p.m., with tickets at $20 and $15.

Blue Water Highway bring its heartfelt, melodic rock Saturday, Aug. 21. Their band name comes from a road that connects the towns of all the band members. These Texans take on a lot of different musical influences and craft special songs. Modern and traditional country, classic rock, two members with degrees in opera are all found within their musical mixing bowl. “We wanted to build a space ship in a barn,” Catherine Clarke said of their new album, “Paper Airplanes.” While their influences are wide, their sound is immediately comforting. Songs to savor, music with flavor. Showtime is 8 p.m., with tickets at $20 and $15.

Annie Sellick & Pat Bergeson return Sunday, Aug. 22. The duo self-describes their show as one that “grooves, soothes and tells stories.” They deliver jazz standards, soulful originals and cabaret classics with a confidence, swagger and love for all things music. Singer Sellick has recorded with most of her musical heroes like Bella Fleck, Joey DeFrancesco and Mark O’Connor. Fox Valley native Pat Bergeson, born in Batavia, moved to Nashville at the request of Mr. Chet Atkins who wanted him in his band. Bergeson has recorded with artists such as Michael McDonald, Lyle Lovett, Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash. But the magic of this duo is what they create together. A unique, fresh approach and joyous experimentation give their audiences a tangible sense of wonder and a reminder how beautiful music really is when played by people that love it so much. Showtime is 7 p.m., with tickets at $20 and $15.

Lunar Lizard makes its debut Thursday, Aug. 26. The band was founded on a musical vision between Georgia Rae and Mykal Baas. She is no stranger to The Venue. She and The Family Band wowed audiences last year in Mundy Park. Lunar Lizard has gone through changes and trials to get to the exact extract that Rae and Baas were thinking. But they’ve found home and are sharing the vision. Showtime is 8 p.m., with tickets at $15 and $10.

COVID-19 protocols

In an effort to keep patrons, musicians and staff healthy, The Venue will be following state mandates and protocols set forth by the CDC, the Kane County Health Department and the city of Aurora, the release stated. Whether fully vaccinated or unvaccinated, attending a crowded outdoor event, such as a live music performance, poses risk. In the event of weather, shows may be moved indoors at the discretion of the artists. If this happens, ticket buyers will be notified through Eventbrite and The Venue’s Facebook page. With COVID rates rising in Illinois, if it is necessary to move indoors, The Venue will strictly enforce its mask policy.

For outdoor shows, masks are required for entry unless proof of vaccination can be provided. Once outside, masks may be removed, although wearing of masks is encouraged along with social distancing.

Go to the website to learn more about indoor masking policies.

“All guests are encouraged to cooperate for the greater good so that we can continue to share live music safely,” the release stated.

The Venue is owned and operated by the nonprofit Fox Valley Music. Learn more at foxvalleymusicfoundation.com.