Uniquely Thursdays concert series supplies Hinsdale's summer soundtrack
Tonight Kelly Daniels will kick off the Uniquely Thursdays concert series, the popular weekly summer event that welcomes young and old to enjoy live music, good food and plenty of fun. Kelly Daniels' will return to the Burlington Park stage on July 25 for a second performance in the series. (photo provided)
Over the last two decades, summer in Hinsdale has become synonymous with Uniquely Thursdays. Each Thursday night from June through August, families and visitors gather in Burlington Park for an evening of live music, food from local vendors, festive beverages, and plenty of fun.
The fun continues tonight, June 13, with music by Kelly Daniels. Fans of Daniels know him from Rockstar Rodeo, which was a favorite last year, said Amanda Wagner marketing director for the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce.
"He's a Nashville recording artist," Wagner said. While Daniels' music has a definite country flavor, Wagner said it appeals to a wide audience.
Wagner said the entire summer lineup is designed to please the crowds, with old favorites returning to the Uniquely Thursday stage and new acts making their Burlington Park debut.
The GooRoos are another fan favorite returning to the lineup this summer. They'll perform songs of the '80s through today when they take the stage June 20.
New to Uniquely Thursdays, the Lounge Puppets will turn up the heat June 27 with their hair band and arena rock tributes. The crowd will hear songs by Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Aerosmith,Van Halen and more. After a break for the July 4 holiday, Uniquely Thursdays continues July 11 with a performance by local band Reckless, performing classic hits from bands like Led Zepellin, Maroon 5 and the Beatles.
The evening returns to a more southern mood on July 18 when Whiskey Road makes its Hinsdale debut. They promise a mix of classic, southern and country rock ranging from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Carrie Underwood. The country vibe keeps going July 25 when Kelly Daniels returns for a second performance, followed by Starlight City on Aug. 1. The band describes its show as "a dazzling mix of pop and dance music combined with the powerful energy of a modern rock show."
Rock tribute band Infinity takes the stage on Aug. 8. Starting out as a Journey tribute band in 1985, the group has expanded its repertoire to include songs made famous by more than 50 artists.
Last year's series opener, Semple Band, returns Aug. 15 with another high-energy performance including 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.
Uniquely Thursdays 2024 wraps up in its usual style on Aug. 22 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 favorites from the '70s and '80s.
Wagner said this year's Uniquely Thursdays events will shine a spotlight on food vendors with a designated food court located at Washington and Chicago streets. Visitors can select from Azteca Catering's menu of Mexican fare, Dippin' Dots ice cream, Sugar Mamas' sweets treats, Tropical Sno, Hinsdale's very own Giuliano's pizza, and Holy Pierogi. Every Day's a Sundae is new to this year's list of food vendors. Beer, seltzers and wine are available, too, and the event's many local sponsors are sure to have plenty of surprises in store at their booths.
The action happens each Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Burlington Park, 30 E. Chicago Ave. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Food is allowed, but alcohol must be purchased on site.
