Sara Page has been trying to bring The Giving Tree Band back to the Independence Grove summer concert series since 2014. She nabbed the group this summer.
It’s one of eight hand-picked bands set to perform Tuesday nights outdoors at the Lake County forest preserve in Libertyville from June 12-Aug 7, excluding July 3.
Page, Independence Grove visitor services manager, promotes the series as an event that’s “got a Ravinia feel, without Ravinia prices.” Admission to the shows is a $6 per vehicle parking fee, and typically 1,500-2,000 attend each concert.
Concertgoers can set up lawn chairs and blankets and bring their own food and beverages or purchase some at the event. Pontoon boats that seat six adults can be rented for $150 for the evening.
Page selects the bands based on recommendations from concertgoers, forest preserves staff and a professional booking agent. The audience said they particularly enjoy bands that encourage them to sing along, she said. Fitting that criteria is series opener Rockin’ Fenderskirts, which performs oldies like “Rock Around the Clock” on June 12.
“I pick a mix between cover and original bands — that’s the start and then my other mix is returning and new bands,” Page said. “My last criteria is danceable rhythm. We want people to get up and have an enjoyable evening and have a group that will interact with the crowd,” she said.
Rico, performing June 19, “always gets a great turn out,” she said. “They play Afro-Cuban music like the sound and spirit of Santana, and they have such a good stage presence.”
The Giving Tree Band from Yorkville performs bluegrass and Americana music June 26 and is known for its members’ dedication to the environment, which includes performing on instruments made from naturally fallen trees and reclaimed wood.
“They bring their rugs. They play in their bare feet. They’re down to earth,” Page said. “They came out with a new album and were looking for more places to tour this year.”
Gizzae, a reggae band, performed at the series in 2012 and in 2017. This year they perform on July 10. “They bring so much energy to the stage,” she said.
The Adam Ezra Group, performing July 17, plays a blend of cover and original tunes, she said. “This is their fourth year here. They’re from the Boston area and only hit Chicago once a year,” Page said.
The band recently won song of the year at the New England Music Awards.
Mississippi Heat, performing July 24, is new. Led by harmonica player and songwriter Pierre Lacocque, the group plays blues.
Black Masala, performing July 31, is a high-energy brass band that beckons people to dance, she said. Morry Sochat & The Special 20s performs swing and blues music on Aug. 7.
“This is a unique experience because it’s in a preserve,” Page said of the outdoor concerts. “We are careful to choose high-quality performers and we have a great consistent sound equipment provider.”
Independence Grove Summer Concert Series
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays June 12-Aug. 7 except July 3
Where: Independence Gove Forest Preserve, 16400 Buckley Road, Libertyville
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Tickets: $6 entrance fee per car
Information: 847-968-3497; www.lcfpd.org/ig/concerts