River Rhapsody Concerts Sure to Strike a Chord this Summer

By Abbey Mondi, Batavia Park District

BATAVIA – It’s time to sing and dance. Batavia Park District’s free River Rhapsody concert series returns in June. This popular event will showcase eight family-friendly musical performances for all to enjoy.

Leading off the summer performances on June 11 is a children’s concert with Justin Roberts that includes complimentary popsicles. This event is hosted in partnership with the Batavia Public Library. The concert series runs through Aug. 6, featuring music for all ages.

This fun event will be held along the Riverwalk at the Peg Bond Center, 151 N. Island Ave., from 7:30 - 8:30. Bring family, friends and portable seating 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.

“This year's summer series is exciting because we have many new bands. I am looking forward to hearing Reckless and The Sociables play,” said event co-chair Bethanne Guidarelli. Reckless is a high-energy rock and country cover band and The Sociables cover a wide variety of beloved rock hits.

New this year are theme nights that tie in a fun free activity. The theme nights will include special drinks and free activities led by Batavia community organizations. Activities include tie dye on June 25, rock painting on July 16 and a 1990s craft on Aug 6.

“Theme nights offer another level of participation by being able to get involved in a fun craft and take something home,” Guidarelli said. “We are excited to elevate this event for the community.”

Beer, wine, soft drinks and water will be available to purchase.  Fernando's Street Kitchen will serve Mexican cuisine for all to enjoy. Koconut’s Shave Ice will serve up some tasty treats on June 18, July 16 and Aug. 6.  Joining us this year is The Cookie and Cream Dream Truck on June 25, July 2, July 23 and July 30.

“It is a fun event; people make a night out of it and bring picnic blankets to enjoy dinner at the concerts,” said event co-chair Elisha Sharp. “There is such a diverse lineup of music this year, everyone in the family is sure to find something they’ll love.”

For more details on the full concert line up visit bataviaparks.org/special-events.

This concert series is sponsored by McNally’s Heating & Cooling, Redo Cabinets, Batavia Parks Foundation, WSPY Radio and Sturdy Shelter Brewing.

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

River Rhapsody
Free concert series
7-8:30 p.m., Batavia Riverwalk
June 11 Justin Roberts
Children's concert
June 18 Abby Kay Band
Rock, country and pop hits
Theme: Concert T-shirt Night
June 25 Horizon
Funk, soul, R&B and rock
Theme: 70s night
July 2 Superfly
Disco, funk and R&B hits
Theme: Red, White & Blue Night
July 16 Reckless
Pop, dance and country cover band
Theme: Rock of Ages
July 23 The Sociables
Southern rock cover band
Theme: Christmas in July
July 30 American Cash
Johnny Cash cover band
Theme: Country Night
Aug. 6 This End Up
Rock and pop with a dash of country
Theme: 90s Night

Photos credit Batavia Park District.

Koconut’s Shave Ice will serve tasty treats on June 18, July 16 and Aug. 6.


Batavia Park District’s River Rhapsody concert series offers family fun on select Wednesday evenings, June through August.


The River Rhapsody concert series returns June 11 and runs through Aug. 6 on select Wednesday evenings at the Peg Bond Center in Batavia.