As its name implies, the Vogt Visual Arts Center in Tinley Park focuses on artwork that’s pleasing to the eye. But with the summer weather comes an outdoor concert series that draws even more people to the artwork inside. This year, the art center’s Gazebo Concert Series will feature four performances to coincide with the art installations inside the facility.
“With every show, we typically have a reception for the artist,” said Gallery Director Julie Dekker. “But during the summer, we thought, why not have some live music outside? It would be a nice way to use the gazebo and attract more people to what we’re doing inside.
“We’ve been doing this for several years now, and it’s become very popular,” she said. “It’s a beautiful evening because you can sit outside and enjoy the music, and when they take a break, you come in and see the exhibit. I think it has introduced a lot of people to what we’re doing here. And it’s all free.”
The first of the series begins June 11, the only one in the series that isn’t on the first Friday evening of the month.
“We do this to coincide with our outdoor art fair each year,” Dekker said. “This year we added food trucks, too.”
The June exhibit is also unusual in that it features an open call for artwork from any artist. This year’s theme is “Sunrise, Sunset,” which is left up to the artist’s interpretation.
“I love doing these open shows, where we can get artwork from people all over the community,” Dekker said. “There aren’t a lot of places for artists to display their work, and this gives them an opportunity. And we end up with an eclectic show filled with incredible pieces. I have discovered new artists at shows like this.”
Chicago-based musician Griffin Crowder provides an apt accompaniment to the show. The acoustic guitar player features music running from “dance to hip hop, from the ’60s to today and everything in between.”
In July, the art exhibit features work from the Log Cabin Center for the Arts in Palos Park.
“The instructors there teach many different things, and I had them here for the first time last year, and it was amazing,” Dekker said. “It was one of our most popular shows, and I’m excited to see what they bring this year.”
Performing at the July 8 reception will be the Nuclear Jazz Quarktet, which features trumpet, sax, trombone, piano, bass, drums and vocals. Its diverse repertoire focuses on improvisation highlighting jazz standards, Latin music, jazz waltzes and up-tempo bebop tunes.
The August show features artist Erin O’Connor.
“Having a single artist is unusual for us,” Dekker said. “It takes quite a bit of art to fill this gallery, but she’s more than capable. She’s a tough artist to describe. There’s realism there, but she also does a fair bit of abstract work. It’s all very striking.”
Performing at the gazebo during the Aug. 5 reception will be The Simple Remedy, a band that combines “the classic Nashville sound mixed with Motown Soul and the feel of American adventure.” The band describes itself as a “melting pot of American music.”
The final show of the series in September is titled “Journey Down Route 66.”
“I’ve never done a show like this before,” Dekker said. “We’re highlighting photos of historic Route 66. We have a featured artist, Charles Walsh, who has taken a trip and documented much of the route. But we’ll have other contributors to give their interpretation of the theme.”
The Tinley Park Community Jazz Band will give the final performance of the series at the reception Sept. 9.
“People love this because it’s just a great place to hang out outside,” Dekker said. “People bring their own lawn chairs, beverages and food and just have a relaxing evening.”
Gazebo Concert Series
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When: 10 a.m. June 11; 7 p.m. July 8, Aug. 5, Sept. 9
Where: Vogt Visual Arts Center, 17420 S. 67th Court, Tinley Park
Tickets: Free
Information: 708-614-6503; tinleyparkdistrict.org/vvac
Jeff Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.