From Mike McCurry’s “Talk of the Town” column in The Clarendon Courier June 7, 2018
On June 15, 1965, Bob Dylan recorded his now famous song, “Like a Rolling Stone,” and on June 20, 1989, Nirvana released its first album, “Bleach.” These two events have nothing in common, except they correspond with the dates this June when we will kick off the two most important music events in Clarendon Hills: Daisy Days and Dancin’ in the Street.
Now that we are rolling into summer, there’s no doubt the calendar is beginning to fill up. One of the reasons we love our small-town environment is because of events like these that bring our community together. So, I’m writing to you as a reminder to plug into your Google or Apple calendars now, and make it a priority to come into the downtown to experience these summer concerts with each other.
Daisy Days is always held on Father’s Day weekend (June 15-16), with concerts on both Friday and Saturday evenings. Each of the bands this year will feature a folksy twist on top 40 hits. The bands Folk Yeah! on Friday and Fossil Fuel on Saturday will cover the range of popular artists, from Johnny Cash to Taylor Swift, and will be sure to have the crowd singing along.
Don’t forget to block off your calendar for Saturday’s full day of events that features the Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World Reptiles and Daisy Days Idol. The Clarendon Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts this annual event, so be sure to shop at some of the businesses in the downtown.
The famed Dancin’ in the Street concert series starts the following Wednesday night, June 20, at 6:30 p.m., and returns each Wednesday, through Aug. 1. As the originator of local town concerts, Clarendon Hills is celebrating its 16th year. And while it’s flattering that many other area towns try to emulate it, none can truly do “dancin’ in their streets” like we do!
About 1,000 people attend each week in the one-block area from the train to Park Ave. (anchored by Starbucks). Attendees bring their blankets, chairs and sometimes their dancing shoes, so they can enjoy these special summer evenings with family and friends.
The concert series committee has planned a nice mix of music genres with new and returning bands to our stage.
June 20: Underwater People, described as “a band of people-pleasing chameleons,” will play an upbeat selection of pop, rock and jazz.
June 27: Porky’s Groove Machine is described as “nerd funk.” With tight-playing, choreographed dance moves, they will be “ready to help you get on with your baddest self.”
July 11: Bopology delivers authentic swing and jazz with tight arrangements and foot-tapping dance steps.
July 18: The Millennials is a local band that includes three members from Hinsdale Central, and brings a fresh style to rock-n-roll classics.
July 25: Libido Funk Circus is a town favorite that entertains, plays pop, rock and disco, eliciting dance and just about everything that is fun.
Aug. 1: South of Disorder plays the music of Jimmy Buffett. Welcome all parakeets and parrot-heads! Concert-goers are encouraged to wear appropriate regalia to this themed night. I Want Candy will feature key-lime or pina colada candy, and The Daily Scoop will be serving kiwi strawberry sorbet. LandShark Lager, from Margaritaville Brewing Co., will be on tap for this fun and last night of the six-week series.
Look for more information coming soon about the scavenger hunt during this final concert, which will focus on the Richmond Education Gardens and Apiary. The gardens will host a tent with giveaways, an observational beehive and a balloon artist. The hunt will involve many of the merchants in town, and you can find the questions and clues about bees posted in their windows.
Crank up the music of Bob Dylan or Nirvana while you get focused on sending those e-vites and filling in the calendar, and let’s get together and do community like we do in our small town.