Village Band

For over 40 years, the volunteer-based Village Band has provided free public concerts in Cook Park. These concerts are one of the favorite summer events that make Libertyville so special. Although supported by the Village of Libertyville, the band would not function without Director Corey Ames and Manager Paul Schmidt who work with the volunteers to deliver entertaining and enriching musical showcases. 

The band presents free concerts in the traditional style given by village bands around the country since the 19th century. Music includes patriotic selections, concert medleys, show tunes, light jazz selections, light classical music, and novelty pieces. Music is selected for both balance and variety for the players and the audience. 

The band performs on Thursdays at 7:30 pm at the Rose Garden in Cook Park. 

The Summer 2023 Concert Series is as follows:.

The special concert on July 4 takes place at Butler Lake Park. For this concert, the fireworks begin at the same location immediately following the concert. The public should bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on, although there are a few picnic tables available in Cook Park. For concerts at Cook Park, the public is invited to order picnic dinners from nearby restaurants or to bring their own food from home. While there are no restroom facilities in Cook Park, the Cook Memorial Library is located behind the park and its facilities are available. 

For the Butler Lake Park concert, there are no nearby restaurants but the public is welcome to bring food from home. Portable toilets are located around the park. Parking within Butler Lake Park is limited to a few spots that are typically used by the musicians, so it is recommended to park in the public lots a few blocks to the east, or on residential streets to the west, and walk to the park. The fireworks begin with the end of the last song of the concert, and the same area used for listening to the band is also ideal for watching the fireworks.

There is no alternate location in the event of inclement weather. Concerts are presumed to occur regardless of weather reports. On the rare occasion that a concert is canceled, it is typically 30 minutes prior to start time. If it is raining but stops shortly before the start time, the show will go on. If the weather changes for the worse during a concert, the show will end early. 

During the performance, please consider other members of the audience and keep conversation to a minimum. Parents are advised to keep children with them and away from running or playing near the band. No smoking or alcohol is allowed in the Village parks.

Thank you for supporting the Village Band and enjoy the show!

For information about rehearsals and joining the Village Band, click here.