By Jesse Wright
Despite temperatures hovering just below 60 degrees, hundreds of people still showed up — albeit wrapped in blankets — for the Concert on the Green summer music series June 15.
The free event kicked off in June and will run through July at the Burr Ridge Village Center.
Friday’s band was EZFM, billed as the Midwest’s premiere yacht rock band, a local favorite featuring the biggest hits in easy listening from the 1970s.
This is the second year the event featured an improved sound system. Last year saw an uptick in attendance, with many residents returning again this year.
“This is our first one for this year, but last year we went to more of them,” said Mary Ryan, who was attending with her husband. “I think it’s terrific and I don’t know what I like better, the music or the people watching.”
She praised the community for hosting it — and for making it available to everyone.
“It’s free, so the price is right,” she added.
The village organizes the event, but is also relies on community support and underwriting
“With generous presenting sponsors like Bella Cosa Jewelers, we are able to put on quality events,” said Claire Nass, communications and events assistant for the Village of Burr Ridge.
One newcomer, Jeri Seaman, went to the show to see her sister, singer Diva Montell.
“I love it, I absolutely love it,” Seaman said.
Their only complaint were the unseasonably cool temperatures Friday.
“The weather is cold,” said Seaman’s friend, Donna Wrobel.
The Concerts on the Village Green series is one of the first big outdoor events of the year in Burr Ridge, and Nass said every event has been well attended.
“It’s been going great,” she said. “I think people are ready to be out.”
She added she wasn’t surprised the chilly temperatures did nothing to dampen the turnout.
“As long as it doesn’t rain, I feel like we get a good turnout,” Nass said.
This year’s series, however, could get even bigger as the last two concerts — on the last two Fridays in July — will feature opening acts for the first time.
In addition, the final June show will feature Chicago Latin Groove — and audience participation.
“We have Chicago Latin Groove, and we’re going to have a salsa dancing duo to dance and engage the crowd,” Nass said.
The next concert will be Shout Section Big Band. The show runs from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. For a full list of bands and times, visit the village’s website and view the community section.
Jesse Wright is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
