Orland acts are disappointing to some, but Pekau says concerts are a fun time

By Jeff Vorva

The musical group Blood, Sweat & Tears had a monster hit in the 1960s titled “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy.”

After the Village of Orland Park announced its 2022 concert series at Centennial Park West, there were some residents who were not very happy.

The aforementioned Blood Sweat & Tears headlines the first show on June 25 and will be backed up by Phillip-Michael Scales. On Sept. 3, Hinder, the Spin Doctors and Dishwalla hit the stage.

The August show has not been booked yet, but it will likely feature tribute bands. In 2021, the concert series featured a night of tribute bands representing Prince, George Michael and Queen.

Mayor Keith Pekau said he has already heard from disgruntled residents about the lineups and talked about it during Monday’s village board meeting.

“We had a few emails from people disappointed in the lineup,” he said. “Let me tell you, lining up bands is hard to do, especially coming off of COVID. Suddenly they are all playing and haven’t done a concert in two years, and they are back in the marketplace.

“It’s very, very challenging to get it done in this environment in a fiscally responsible way. Some bands are charging two or three times what they charged before.”

Pekau points out that the concert series is still new and Centennial Park West will be undergoing a face-lift in the coming years, which will include a permanent stage. He said that will entice more bands to come to town.

The mayor said that the concert experience at Centennial Park West is worthwhile.

“Even if the choice of musical entertainment that night isn’t your favorite, it’s still a fun time,” Pekau said. “Everyone is having a good time with friends and neighbors, so I encourage people to come out.”

Tickets are on sale and residents, first responders and veterans receive a discounted ticket price of $50 for a 2-concert ticket or $30 for a single-date ticket.

Resident rate tickets can be purchased online through universe.com or in person at the Village of Orland Park Sportsplex, 11351 W. 159th St. or at Village Hall, 14700 S. Ravinia Ave. Registered residents may also purchase tickets by calling 708-403-5000 or 708-403-6170.

Tickets are also available to non-residents at a cost of $60 for a 2-concert ticket or $35 for a single-date ticket at universe.com.

Other summer events

The village also announced dates for other summer events that it will host.

• The summer events kick off at 1 p.m., May 30 with a Memorial Day ceremony at the Ara Pace: Place of Peace Memorial at Village Center.
• Market at the Park returns on June 2 and runs every Thursday through August 18 at Crescent Park. In addition to featuring more than 30 local vendors, the weekly event will offer free, live music including a variety of bands and sounds ranging from country to classic rock to throwbacks from the 40s.
• Crescent Park will be the home of two free concerts – the Davenport Project on June 12 and the Sting Rays on July 10.
• The Independence Day celebration kicks-off with the Veterans Liberty Run and Walk on July 1. On the Fourth there will be a concert with 4CAST and musical fireworks display at Centennial Park.
• The biggest event of the summer is the Taste of Orland Park, which will be held the weekend of Aug. 5-7 at Village Center.