After being canceled a year ago because of the coronavirus pandemic, the status of the 2021 Clarendon Hills Dancin’ in the Street summer concert series remains uncertain.
While a decision on whether to again not go ahead with the downtown concerts likely won’t have to be made until mid to late April, so that there would be time to contract with bands, the booking of bands for concerts is being turned over to someone new.
Derek Berg, owner of the Clarendon Hills Music Academy and co-president of the Clarendon Hills Chamber of Commerce, has taken over chores of booking bands for Dancin’ in the Street. Previously, Zachery Creer, assistant to the village manager, booked bands, as a staff liaison to the village’s Special Events Committee.
While the sentiments from Village Board members and village staff for bringing back the weekly Wednesday night concerts are very positive, some remain skeptical about whether that is likely, as the pandemic continues.
“It has been a big part of Clarendon Hills. The village is known for it, and it’s a tremendous, positive thing,” board member Don Knoll said. “But I have severe doubts that anything will be possible during the summer.”
Village President Len Austin remains hopeful that the summer concerts will return in 2021.
“I want to see it back,” he said. “It is an outdoor event, and it’s months away. At what point do we say that people can make their own decisions.”
Board member Ken Hall said the booking of bands usually begins in March, but added that this year it probably would be OK to wait until mid to late April.
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Berg said he is skeptical about being able to return this summer to a normal Dancin’ in the Street series. But he wants to consider alternatives.
He said presenting small, acoustic performances downtown, with social distancing for those stopping to watch and listen, also would allow those dining outdoors at nearby restaurants to enjoy the music.
“I also like the drive-in model,” Berg said. “We had it with a movie last year at Clarendon Hills Christian Church and definitely could partner with them this year for concerts.”
Drive-in concerts would allow for spectators to remain in their vehicles or stay in a socially distanced area around the vehicle while enjoying the concert.
“I’m all about in-person concerts, but we’re in a holding pattern right now, and I just don’t see being able to go back to full, in-person this summer,” Berg said.
Dancin’ in the Street started in 2000 and has continued each summer with concerts on a stage set up downtown on Prospect Avenue, between the railroad tracks and Park Avenue.