From a special performance by a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame to an array of great local artists, the first unofficial weekend of summer is looking rather nice for country concerts.
Yard Fulla Cars
Thurs, June 3 – 7:30PM
Orland Days – Centennial Park, Orland Park
yardfullacars.com
Yard Fulla Cars will start the weekend on Thursday with their mix of hot country cover tunes and original favorites at Orland Days.
[singlepic id=267 w=220 h=140 float=left]Jewel
Fri, June 4 – 8PM
The Vic – 3145 N. Sheffield, Chicago
$49.50 – jamusa.com
While Jewel might be best known for her time on the pop-charts, this country cross-over is set to release her second country album “Sweet and Wild” on June 9. While “The Vic” is not the typical country concert bar in Chicago, Jewel is not your typical country artist.
The Smokin’ Gunz
Friday, June 4 – 9:30PM
The Roadhouse – 200 Prairie St. Elgin
smokingunz.net
Even with the name “The Roadhouse”, country twang is not in this northwest suburban venue’s vocabulary, but one local group is willing to give it their best shot. The Smokin’ Gunz will fire it up country style in downtown Elgin on Saturday.
Easy Louise
Fri, June 4 – 5PM
Sundance Saloon – 300 Lakehurst Road, Waukegan
sundancesaloon.com
Traditional country more your style, then this local group will tickle your fancy. Catch Easy Louise at the Sundance Saloon on Friday.
[singlepic id=268 w=100 h=100 float=left]Vince Gill with James Otto
Sat, June 5 – 7:30PM
Ravinia Festival – 418 Sheridan Rd, Highland Park
$22 – $55 – ravinia.org
Ravinia offers concert goers a unique experience when it comes to outdoor amphitheatre style music venues. While the North Shore might not be the first place to come to mind for country music, this concert is a perfect fit for the venue. For those who want to see the concert, opt for pavilion seats. Otherwise, lawn seats are available but do not offer a direct view to the stage.
The Hoyle Brothers
Sat, June 5 – 5PM
The Beer Garden at Navy Pier – 600 E. Grand Ave, Chicago
FREE – chicagosbestbeergarden.com
Catch one of Chicago’s best honky tonk bands at Navy Pier. The Beer Garden at Navy Pier offers great brew, awesome music and spectacular views of the Chicago skyline. Bonus, catch the fireworks at 10PM.
Hillbilly Rockstarz
Sat, June 5 – 9PM
JT’s Porch – 600 Roosevelt, Lombard
hillbillyrockstarz.net
Western suburbs, we’ve got you covered too! The local group, Hillbilly Rockstarz will party it up at JT’s Porch in west suburban Lombard on Saturday. Bonus, grab a full slab of BBQ Ribs with fries and slaw for only $10.95.
The Suburban Cowboys
Sat, June 5 – 8PM
Landmark Inn – 1352 Shermer Rd, Northbrook
suburbancowboysband.com
The Suburban Cowboys is one of Chicago’s newest country bands. Primarily from the northwest suburbs, the Cowboys (and cowgirl) are packin’ it up and headed east for a gig in north suburban Northbrook this Saturday. Their specialty includes top-40 country tributes.
