Sing and Dance Along to Bands at Concerts in the Park

Wednesday won't just be the first full day of summer, it will also mark the first concert in 's popular free summer concert series, Concerts in the Park.

Kicking the summer off with a performance by the , the free concerts every month will feature a variety of performers, many of whom cover a popular and classic mix of music.

Held in 's South Pavilion, the district invites local residents and visitors to spend their summer evenings enjoying - and perhaps singing and dancing along to - covers of today's popular music as well as music from past decades.

"I'm looking forward to a summer of perfect weather, cool evenings that draw a huge crowd," said Chris Katsougris, assistant director of the park district. "I hope that everyone has a good time."

Though the concert series will have returning performers like , it will also highlight new guests, including and , a country and western band, thus covering a range of musical tastes.

According to Katsougris, weekday concerts attract anywhere from 200 to 600 visitors, depending on the weather, while weekend concerts tend to be in the 500 to 600 range.

"I encourage everyone to come out," Katsougris said. "Since it's free, you've got nothing to lose, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the entertainers and the quality of the entertainment that we've chosen."

The complete concert schedule is as follows:

June 22, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Chi-Town Showstoppers

With eleven members, the Chi-Town Showstoppers is one of largest music ensembles from the area, performing a mix of genres, including everything from R&B and funk to rock and pop. Featuring a five-man horn section, the band promises a lively show the audience can dance to all night long.

July 9, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - K.O. Bossy

Formed in 1998, the band, named as a reference to a Three Stooges movie, has performed classic rock and roll music from the 60s, the 70s and the 80s in shows across the midwest.

July 20, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Laura Doherty

A concert co-sponsored by just for children, popular children's recording artist Laura Doherty will keep the kids dancing and singing along to her music. 

July 27, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. -

Voted best R&B band by the readers of Suburban Nite Life Magazine, Chicago's Cover Story boasts an ever-changing repertoire of music from the 60s, the 70s and the 80s. 

August 20, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - The Sensations

Performing hits from the 50s, the 60s and the 70s, The Sensations, one of the most acclaimed oldies cover bands in the northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin area, returns to Darien Community Park for the third time. 

August 24, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - J & T (Jin and Tonic Band)

Covering today's hit country and rock music as well as classic songs, the Jin and Tonic Band promises to keep the night lively with its blend of three-part harmonies and several original songs.