Summer concert series opens tonight

It wouldn't be summer in Hinsdale without the weekly concerts in the park known as Uniquely Thursdays. From 6 to 9 p.m. each Thursday from June 15 to Aug. 17, Burlington Park in downtown Hinsdale morphs from a quiet park along the railroad tracks to a booming music venue filled with families, food and plenty of fun. The village's 21st season of concerts begins tonight, Thursday, June 15, with Semple Band. The Chicago-based group promises a high-energy performance that will include covers from the '70s through today, as well as some originals. Semple Band and its members have a litany of accomplishments on their resume, including a top-20 finish on Season 9 of NBC's "The Voice" by the band's lead singer and namesake, Keith Semple.

Serendipity made its Uniquely Thursdays debut last year and returns this year on June 22 with hits from the '60s, '70s and '80s. Along with returning acts like Semple Band and Serendipity, Uniquely Thursdays will welcome several new bands to the lineup this year, beginning with the GooRoos on June 29.

"We have a lot of new ones and I promise they're all going to be great," said Amanda Wagner, marketing director for the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce.

The GooRoos' repertoire begins with songs of the '80s and continues through today's hits.

July starts off with returning band SunFallen on July 6. They bring a taste of country to the concert series, along with something for Hinsdale's rock fans.

Local band Reckless takes to the Burlington Park stage on July 13 with classic hits from bands like Led Zepellin, Maroon 5 and the Beatles, among many others. Sushi Roll makes their first appearance at Uniquely Thursdays on July 20 with a collection of songs from some of today's favorite artists, including Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga and Pink. Adding to the band's high-energy performance are their extravagant costumes, which are sure to be a hit with the concert series' youngest guests.

Nerdvana, performing July 27, is also new to the Burlington Park stage. Known for their nerdy stage personas and covers of songs from the '90s, the band also delivers hits from the '60s through today.

The final month of summer starts out with Uniquely Thursdays newcomer Libido Funk Circus on Aug. 3.

"We're very excited to have them here," Wagner said.

Billed as Chicago's premiere dance and party band, LFC promises to bring the party with hits from the '60s onward.

Rockstar Rodeo brings another dash of country to Hinsdale on Aug. 10, with covers of songs by Carrie Underwood, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert and more. This marks Rockstar Rodeo's first appearance at Uniquely Thursdays.

Uniquely Thursdays 2023 wraps up in its usual style on Aug. 17 with 7th Heaven. A Chicagoland favorite since they first performed in 1985, the band is known for its "30 Songs in 30 Minutes" medley of songs from the '70s and '80s. 7th Heaven has been entertaining audiences around Chicago and the world for decades.

New bands aren't the only changes that audience members will see at Uniquely Thursdays this year. Wagner said a new beer vendor will offer a fresh new lineup of beverages, and vodka seltzers also are new to the refreshment menu. Several varieties of wine also are available, along with non-alcoholic options.

Proceeds from beverage sales help the chamber raise money to support the Hinsdale business districts, Wagner said. While guests are allowed to bring their own food to Uniquely Thursdays, all alcohol must be purchased on site.

Food choices include tacos, quesadillas and more from Azteca Catering, ice cream from Dip N Dots, Sugar Mamas' sweets treats, Tropical Sno, Hinsdale's very own Giuliano's pizza, and Holy Pierogi.

Wagner said Uniquely Thursdays wouldn't be possible without the support of its sponsors, including presenting sponsor UChicagoMedicine/AdventHealth Hinsdale, stage sponsor Jameson Sotheby's International Realty and a host of Trio and Solo sponsors.