Imagine calming breezes, breathtaking sunsets over the lake and award-winning music performers on stage at the outdoor venue for the annual Concerts in the Plaza music series. Nine concerts will be held at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, 7–8:30 pm Tuesdays, June 11 through August 6. The performances take place at the preserve's outdoor Millennia Plaza overlooking a 129-acre lake.

From Beatles tributes to the blues, from rock and country to reggae, there’s something for just about any music taste in this season's entertainment schedule. View full band descriptions and the 2024 concert lineup. This year's concerts are supported by North Shore Gas (platinum sponsor), Libertyville Bank and Trust (bronze sponsor) and Lake County Journal (media sponsor).

• June 11 | Peach Jam | Allman Brothers Band Tribute | Blues Rock: Let the tunes whisk you away to the Fillmore East, the historic music venue nestled in the heart of New York City, where the Allman Brothers Band frequently played. Expect a fusion of blues, rock, jazz and country to create a distinctive sound that’s both powerful and heartfelt.

• June 18 | The Real Pretenders | Pretenders Tribute | Pop Rock: A Chicago-based band, blend rock, punk and pop with gritty guitar riffs and distinctive vocals, reminiscent of the iconic style of the Pretenders. Comprised of four seasoned music veterans, they deliver energetic performances filled with emotionally resonant lyrics and infectious melodies.

• June 25 | Brooklyn Charmers | Steely Dan Tribute | Jazz Rock: With a masterful precision and obsessive dedication to the music, Brooklyn Charmers injects a new energy into the beloved catalogue; bridging the gap between new and lifelong fans alike. 

• July 2 | Gizzae | Reggae: An acclaimed reggae band, blends diverse musical experiences from its global members. Over 35 years, they've won Grammys and Chicago Music Awards, sharing stages with icons such as the The Rolling Stones and Ziggy Marley. Their shows feature energetic guitar solos and mesmerizing keyboards, ensuring good vibes and moving rhythms for all.

• July 9 | Mackenzie O'Brien and Band | Country: Stands as the hottest young country band in the area boasting a lineup of full-time musicians and led by the captivating talent known as Chicago's new country queen. The band covers a wide array of music from contemporary country stars such as Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, as well as classics from legends including Dolly Parton and Waylon Jennings.

• July 16 | American English | Beatles Tribute: Has been named the best Beatles tribute band of our time. They were voted No. 1 in sound-alike contests at The Fest for Beatles Fans for three consecutive years. Their demand here and abroad, coupled with their fan base, anchored them in larger venues and theaters worldwide.

• July 23 | The Insiders | Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Tribute | Rock: A band dedicated to honoring Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, offer authentic performances that evoke the spirit of the legendary rock group. Spectators are astounded by the band's talent and unwavering dedication. With six veteran musicians and decades of combined touring experience, the group is genuinely running down the dream.

• July 30 | The Wayouts | 1960s Rock 'n' Roll: Dedicated exclusively to garage rock hits from the 1960s, The Wayouts deliver an authentic revival of rock 'n' roll's first generation with hits from The Kinks, The Animals, The Trigs, the Monkees, The Rascals and more. Veterans of the Chicago music scene, they have diverse musical resumes.

• August 6 | Mississippi Heat | Blues: Led by Chicago Hall of Fame harmonica master and songwriter Pierre Lacocque, Mississippi Heat stands as a world-class Chicago Blues Band. They describe their style as “traditional blues with a unique sound” as they present a blend of fresh innovative musical concepts while remaining rooted in vintage blues traditions.

"For more than two decades, the Concerts in the Plaza series has been a beloved highlight of summer at Independence Grove,” said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “Each performance creates unforgettable memories for families year after year."

Independence Grove Entrance Fee and Concert Details

• Entrance is $10 per car after 4:30 pm on event nights. Pricing includes drop-offs. Cash or credit card accepted. 100% of vehicle entrance fees directly support the Forest Preserves' endowment fund. Managed by the Preservation Foundation, the endowment provides a perpetual, dependable funding source to care for beloved preserves such as Independence Grove.

• For your safety, and as a courtesy to preserve neighbors, please park in preserve lots only. Cars will be turned away when parking lots are full. 

• For concert reminders, weather updates or to learn if a concert has been canceled, call 847-968-3499, view status map here. There is no rescheduling if a concert is canceled.

• Concerts are open to all ages and are held at the preserve's outdoor amphitheater overlooking a 129-acre lake. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Arrive early to secure your spot.

• Pack a picnic, or purchase a light dinner, snack or beverage from the preserve's walk-up café or from the Beer Garden at Independence Grove. 

• To make your concert outing even more memorable, call 847-968-3499 to reserve a pontoon boat for groups of up to six.

Pets Not Permitted

With the exception of service animals, dogs, horses and other pets are not permitted at Independence Grove.

Safety

For the safety of all our guests, all items brought into the forest preserve (including, without limitation, coolers, picnic baskets, bags, backpacks and purses) are subject to search upon entry or reentry into the park and may also be inspected again upon entering Millennia Plaza.

Sponsorship Opportunities

If you are interested in learning about concert sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves at 847-968-3434.

Directions

The entrance to Independence Grove is located on Buckley Road (Route 137) just east of Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21) and west of River Road in Libertyville.

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