Concerts on the Hill returns to Joliet

Concerts on the Hill returns to Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park on Thursday.

The 47th season of the weekly outdoor musical series runs through August.

The free concerts are staged each Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the park at 201 W. Jefferson St.

“Enjoy many new acts, alongside returning favorites from before the pandemic, like the American Legion Band, Joliet Junior College Jazz Band and Joliet Township High School Orchestra,” Bicentennial Park’s news release said.

On Thursday, Mayor Bob O’Dekirk will emcee and Nick Thomas, music director and organist at Cathedral of St. Raymond, will sing the opening national anthem.

Entertainment for the opening concert will feature vocalist Lexi Rae Smith and Ebony and Ivory, a keyboard artist and vocalist duo. The concert is sponsored by M & M Bank and the Joliet American Legion Post 1080 Cafe.

The park will present a special show on July 8 in remembrance of Billie Limacher, Bicentennial Park’s founder who passed away this year at age 99. Limacher would have turned 100 on May 29, and the park will present “100 Years of Billie.”

The Fine Tunes Center for the Arts in Channahon will feature songs and artists with a “Billie” in the name on that night.

New acts added to the concert series this year are Ebony and Ivory (Thursday,) vocalist Andrew David (June 10), Fine Tunes Center for the Arts (July 88), Creation in Color for Latina Night (July 15), Tim Placher’s Local Musician Night (Aug. 5), vocalist Al Spears for Blues Night (Aug. 12) and vocalist Audrey Reid for Jazz Night (Aug. 19).

New acts from 2020 coming back are Echo & Ransom (June 10), Little Victory (June 24), vocalist and guitarist Alex Hoeffer (July 1), Rat Pack Persicketti & Eulitz (July 22) and the Ukulele Moonshiners (July 29).

Concerts on the Hill audiences will get previews of the two summer musicals appearing at the park theater. The preview for “Something Rotten” is June 17. The preview for “Sponge Bob Square Pants” is July 22.

The audience is asked to bring chairs or blankets for hill seating. Concessions will be courtesy of the American Legion Post 1080 Cafe. A cash bar is available. Outside alcohol is prohibited but picnic baskets are welcome.

Free parking is available in the park and in the lots south of Jefferson Street. While the Jefferson Bridge remains under repairs, patrons can access the main entrance to the park by using the open right-hand lane.

No reservations are required this year. But patrons are encouraged to practice social distancing where possible. Masks should be worn while walking about, waiting in line or entering the building for bathrooms. Masks may be removed once seated. Those that are vaccinated are not required to wear masks.