May 13, 2025
Warm nights, starry skies, and music drifting through the air – summer in Palatine wouldn’t be complete without Sounds of Summer, the Palatine Park District’s signature entertainment series.
From June through August, enjoy a vibrant mix of evening concerts, family lunchtime picnic series, and outdoor movie nights — a season-long celebration of community and connection under the stars.
Sounds of Summer Fridays
Libido Funk Circus kicks off the Friday night lineup on June 6. “Some of the genres we cover are classic rock, 80’s pop/rock, disco, Motown, current pop, country, and 90’s/2000’s presented to keep the audience dancing and engaged,” singer Desiree’ Harris said. “We like to give people something to WATCH as well as listen to with costume changes, choreography and lots of audience interaction,” she added. “We include music from a variety of genres and decades, but all centered on popular music you can dance to. Delivering a great show and making people happy is our number one priority and happens to also be very soul-fulfilling for all of us!”
Second Hand Soul Band takes the stage Friday, June 13. Member Kathy Fern describes the band’s music as Motown, funk and soul. According to Fern, “Expect to be moved by the energy of an all live, no tracks performance of a seven-piece band with years of experience and entertainment skills. Everyone in the band brings their A-game, and the number one thing we do is have fun,” she added. “That translates to an amazing performance for the audience; they absolutely feel the energy!”
The Simple Remedy performs Friday, July 18. Known for their high-energy performances, The Simple Remedy delivers an engaging, concert-level experience at every event. “The band is made up of some of the best musicians in Chicago,” member Eddie Ryan said. “Our music spans the country music and americana playlist from the 1960’s through today’s current hits. Ryan said the audience have some favorites frequently requested. “More and more of our Dolly Parton covers performed by Laura Patricia are huge fan favorites,” he said. Connecting with an audience is Ryan’s favorite thing about performing. “The vibe is everything when it comes to a live performance,” he said. “Having fun onstage is a huge part of creating that energy.”
Sounds of Summer Friday Schedule:
June 6 – Libido Funk Circus (Disco to Modern)
June 13 – Second Hand Soul Band (Motown, Funk, Soul, Rock)
June 20 – The Messengers (Rock, Pop, Country)
June 27 – The Wayouts (60’s)
July 11 – Horizon (R&B, Rock)
July 18 – The Simple Remedy (Country)
July 25 – Superfly Symphony (70’s Disco)
August 1 – Anthem (Classic Rock)
All Friday shows begin at 7:30 PM at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road.
Family Fun at Lunchtime
Bring the kids and enjoy the Family Picnic Series – Tuesday afternoon performances are designed to delight young audiences and their families.
ScribbleMonster kicks off the season Tuesday, June 17. According to James Dague, aka ScribbleJim, his show is targeted to kids 2-9 years and their families. “We all have ideas at any age. Anyone who is willing to play along and share is welcome,” Dague said. People who come to ScribbleMonster can expect high enegry music, fun games and active play fueled by the creative ideas of the audience. “I’m always thinking of ways to engage kids in play,” Dague added. “The arts are one of the few things in life where there are no rules. Mine is not a show to watch; it’s a collaborative playdate. We sing, dance, share ideas and have a lot of fun.”
Little Miss Ann performs Tuesday, August 5. Ann Torralba says the audience can expect upbeat, interactive, and joyful music. “Since I have an education background, I’m able to engage kids with lots of movement and finger play,” Torralba said. “Plus, there’s also a partner dance, a fun train, jumping, dancing, clapping and more!” Torralba said she loves bringing joy to kids and families. “They are in the moment, expressive and often very loving. While most of my songs have an indie folk-rock vibe, the audience will learn a little bit about my Filipino American culture as well.”
Family Picnic Series Schedule
June 17 – ScribbleMonster (Interactive Songs and Games)
July 8 – Jason Kollum (Juggler)
July 22 – Todd Downing (Tall Tales and Silly Songs)
August 5 – Little Miss Ann (Joyful, Culturally Rich Music)
Family Picnic Series shows begin at 12:00 PM at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road.
Acoustic Thursdays
Looking for a more laid-back evening? Head to Towne Square for Acoustic Thursdays.
This year, Prairie Station’s Acoustic Duo performs Thursday, August 7. “While our full band shows are country music centric, our acoustic duo provides a more intimate and personal performance,” member Jen Anselmo explained. “Doing both allows us to stretch out and accommodate a bigger audience.” Anselmo said audience members can expect to have fun, sing along and hear songs you wouldn’t expect to be played acoustically. “We try and cater our show to cover every listener,” she said. “From the Beatles to Pink, from country to rock and everything in between, we add warm harmonies and are crowd-interactive making you part of the show.”
Acoustic Thursdays Schedule
June 19 – JP and Jenny
July 24 – Colte Julian
August 7 – Prairie Station Acoustic Duo
Acoustic Thursday performances start at 6:30 PM at Towne Square, 150 W. Palatine Road.
Celebrate Local Talent with Community Concerts
Show your community spirit by supporting Palatine’s local musical groups at these special concerts:
June 4, June 25, July 16 – Palatine Concert Band, 7:30-8:30 PM, Fred P. Hall Amphitheater
July 17 – Palatine Children’s Chorus, 6:30-7:30 PM, Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center
August 6 – Allegro Community Chorus, 7:30 PM, Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center
In addition to live entertainment, two Outdoor Movie Nights will be held at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, as part of the Sounds of Summer Entertainment Series. Both movies will begin at 7:30pm.
Palatine Bank & Trust presents The Wild Robot on Thursday, June 26. Guests are encouraged to bring a recycled robot. Check in at the Palatine Park District table with your robot before the movie starts. Craft Collective Palatine will also be on hand with a movie-themed craft for kids.
On Thursday, July 31, Pan American Bank presents Toy Story. Kids can bring in their favorite toy to showcase in the Toy Parade before the movie starts.
Sponsors of the Sounds of Summer Entertainment Series include Duly Health & Care, Palatine Bank & Trust, Sue Gould Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices|Starck Real Estate, Pan American Bank, Chick -Fil-A Kildeer & Buffalo Grove, A Closer Bond, Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council, Daily Herald, and The Harbour.
To visit the Sounds of Summer Homepage go to palatineparks.org/sounds-of-summer.
Get ready for the 2025 Entertainment Series, Sounds of Summer -a season-long celebration of community and connection under the stars!
