River Rhapsody Concerts are sure to Strike a Chord this Summer

BATAVIA – It’s time to sing and dance. Batavia Park District’s free River Rhapsody concert series returns June 17. Hosted by Batavia Park District, this popular event will showcase eight lively musical performances at the Peg Bond Center, 151 N. Island Ave.

These eclectic concerts will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on selected Wednesday evenings through Aug. 5, featuring music for all ages.

 Bring family, friends and portable seating and blankets to enjoy the scenic view of the Depot Pond while listening to a wide variety of musical styles, ranging from rock, pop and country to soul, R&B and disco. 

“Going to the River Rhapsody concerts at The Peg Bond Center on Wednesdays is one of my favorite things to do in the summer,” said Gretchen Goldsworthy of Geneva.

Leading off the summer of music and fun on June 17 is a children’s concert with Ben Tatar and the Tatar Tots at 5 p.m. This jazzy group will include audience interaction, toys, surprises and songs about food. This concert is hosted in partnership with the Batavia Public Library.

The fun’s not over yet. Following the children’s concert, at 7 p.m., Chicago Rockhouse takes the stage. Get ready to rock out with this exciting classic rock cover band. Expect big guitars, great vocals and all your favorite rock anthems done right.

“It’s great to see old friends reminiscing and children singing and dancing. It’s a true community event that brings everyone together,” said Goldsworthy who is a regular River Rhapsody concert attendee.

“This year's summer series is exciting because we have many new bands. I am looking forward to hearing No Limits Sound Band and The Sting Rays play,” said event co-chair Bethanne Guidarelli. No Limits plays disco, funk and pop hits. The Sting Rays play Rockabilly music from the 1960s and 1970s and wear fun costumes.

“I’m looking forward to all of the great bands this summer, including the Yacht Rockettes and Stevie McVie,” Goldsworthy said. The Yacht Rockettes is a female band playing 70s and 80s hits, and Stevie McVie performs the hits of rock legend Stevie Nicks, said Guidarelli.

New activities this year will include bags yard games on concert nights and a bounce house for kids on June 24. “We are always brainstorming new activities to bring more excitement to River Rhapsody concerts,” said Elisha Sharp, event co-chair.

Also new this year is a rotation of different food vendors for each concert. Cook’s Ice Cream Truck will be at River Rhapsody on June 24, July 22, July 29 and Aug. 5. Cotton candy will be available for purchase during the children’s concert on June 17.  Expect delicious meals on select nights from a variety of vendors such as Teddy D’s Gourmet Grill, Jimmy John’s, BBQ Foodtruck and margaritas from Pepe’s. “We listened to feedback from attendees of last year's concerts who asked for more food options and we delivered,” Sharp said.

For more details on the full concert line up visit bataviaparks.org/event/river-rhapsody/

This concert series is sponsored by Batavia Parks Foundation, Bre’s Beverage Bar, HiLite Electric, Midwest Tents and Events and Redo Cabinets.

River Rhapsody outdoor concerts are weather dependent. For more information, check bataviaparks.org. To receive event updates and information, text “Follow #riverrhapsody” to (630) 879- 5235.

Information Summary:
River Rhapsody
Free concert series
7-8:30 pm
Peg Bond Center

• June 17: Ben Tatar and the Tatar Tots and Chicago Rockhouse - Children's concert at 5 p.m. followed by a classic rock band
• June 24: The Throwbacks (Classic 1950s and 1960s hits)
• July 1: The Abby Kay Band (Rock, Country and pop hits)
• July 15: No Limits Sound Band (Disco, rock, funk and pop hits)
• July 22: The Yacht Rockettes (Hits from the 1970s and 1980s)
• July 29: The StingRays (Interactive show featuring Rockabilly music)
• Aug. 5: Stevie McVie (The timeless classics of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks)

Bring your friends, family, lawn chairs and blankets to Peg Bond Center and enjoy free River Rhapsody concerts this summer.



Enjoy delicious meals from a wide range of vendors changing each week at River Rhapsody.



Sing, dance and enjoy the sunshine by playing bags and listening to great tunes this summer at Peg Bond Center.