Aside from a lone bicyclist taking a break, the area around Community Park’s big bandstand was quiet on a recent afternoon. That should change Sunday evening, when Pilot Club of Jacksonville opens its summer concert series with a performance by Land of Lincoln Chorus.
Angela Bauer/Journal-Courier
Along with high school and college graduations and swimming pool openings around the region, one sure sign of summer in west-central Illinois is the start of Pilot Club of Jacksonville’s Concerts in the Park series.
“I’ve been in Pilot over 20 years and I know it was here probably at least 10 years before that, if not more,” series organizer Vickie Austin said. “It’s a good project for us.”
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The free series, which sees musical acts from the region perform at 6 p.m. Sundays at the big bandstand in Community Park, is a popular one, Austin said.
“We’ve just been doing it so long, people have already started asking, ‘When are you starting again?’” she said.
The wait is nearly over, with Springfield-based barbershop music group Land of Lincoln Chorus opening the season on Sunday.
“It’s kind of become tradition for Land of Lincoln Chorus to do that first one in the summer,” Austin said.
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The series will wrap up as August does.
“We have 13 weeks of concerts and they’re all spoken for,” Austin said. “As usual, we’re so grateful for so many singers and groups that are willing to step up and do this for us and do it for nothing. For the community, they do it.”
Every performer has something unique to offer, but one highlight of this season’s lineup is the July 19 performance, Austin said.
“Last year we had something special, which we’ve repeated again this year,” Austin said. “Jacksonville Drumline Institute is going to come and perform for us. People seem to like that (last year). They really did. Those kids are wonderful — it’s just kind of special.”
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The club has a backup location in case conditions aren’t suitable for an outdoor concert, Austin said.
“First Baptist Church has been kind enough to allow us to use their sanctuary when it rains or if it’s extremely hot,” she said. “We already have two Sundays we’re going to have it there (because) the singers would prefer it.”
Pilot Club members also appreciate the community’s continued support of the series, Austin said.
“Every year, every Sunday,” the community turns out to support the series, Austin said. “It just makes us feel good to do it for the community here.”
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The full concert lineup includes:
• June 7 — Land of Lincoln Chorus
• June 14 — The Peeks and Tom Jones
• June 21 — Just Friends
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• June 28 — Robert Sampson
• July 5 — Brett Burchard
• July 12 — Pam and Danny Lovelace
• July 19 — Jacksonville Drumline Institute
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• July 26 — Rod Nicholson with Aaron and Rick Barger
• Aug. 2 — New Jerusalem Singers (at First Baptist Church)
• Aug. 9 — Terry Brennan (at First Baptist Church)
• Aug. 16 — Two By Two
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• Aug. 23 — Community Summer Band
• Aug. 30 — Rob Brogdon
Each concert begins at 6 p.m. at the big bandstand in Community Park, with the exception of the Aug. 2 and Aug. 9 concerts, which will be at First Baptist Church. Admission is free. Those attending the concerts at the park are welcome to bring a picnic meal to enjoy during the performance.