Top 5 Music Venues in Lake County
By: Jonathan Jones 01/31/2017
"Music makes the people come together."
Madonna said it correctly as we look at the top 5 music venues in Lake County.
A cast of acclaimed musicians has come through Lake County. Lady Gaga, Carlos Santana, Aretha Franklin, Yo-Yo Ma, Styx, Bobby McFerrin and more.
There’s no need to go to the big city when you have illustrious performers grace your stages in Lake County.
Here are the definitive top 5 music venues in Lake County
Top 5 Music Venues in Lake County
Ravinia Festival
Summer’s marquee event is Ravinia in Highland Park. This festival stands still as the oldest music event in North America. The Highland Park event has hosted everyone from Tony Bennett to Luciano to Miles Davis to B.B. King to Lauryn Hill to Dolly Parton to Bob Dylan and a host of other unbelievable acts. Ravinia also connects thousands of families in Lake County and the Chicagoland area to professional musicians to work as mentors. You also have the opportunity to see some of these child prodigies go to work. When you visit Ravinia, don’t forget your wine, picnic basket, blankets and/or lawn chairs so you can fully enjoy a warm summer night in Highland Park. It’s conveniently located off of the Metra. The first wave of the schedule for 2017 will be released in late February or early March
418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park.
Genesee Theatre
Genesee Theatre is a historic treasure in Downtown Waukegan that has a splendid array of artists, comedians and plays visit their stage. The legendary and nostalgic marquee’s glowing light always gets concert-goers jazzed up for a stupendous experience. Along with the historic integrity that is imprinted in the Waukegan facility, they don’t slouch on the acts that come through their doors. This year, Genesee welcomes performers that include Coolio, Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc, Cheap Trick, Dennis Miller, Jack Hanna, Blues Traveler, the Gin Blossoms, Marlon Wayans, the Barenaked Ladies and more.
203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.
James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts
The James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts is a state-of-the-art facility that is ideal for showcasing the arts in Lake County. The College of Lake County center features three performance spaces to accommodate professional touring concerts as well as college music, theater and dance department productions. The James Lumber Center also hosts the renowned Lake Forest Symphony. This year they will also host CLC’s Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Choral and other performances that include Terell Stafford, the magic of Bill Blagg, Jon Witter and more.
19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake.
Mickey Finn’s Brewery
Mickey Finn’s is located on MainStreet Libertyville. Not only do they brew their own delectable suds, but they also put on fantastic shows Thursday-Sunday. Lake County’s brewpub also makes a mean burger. Mark your calendars for upcoming shows that include Blood Red Boots, One Hot Mess, Dick Diamond and the Dusters and more.
345 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
Blarney Island
‘A mile away from reality,’ Blarney Island is a prime summer spot for concert goers. This is a one-of-a-kind location as you have to take a shuttle boat out to the Antioch Isle. Resting on the Chain O’Lakes, this summer destination has performers such as Chris Janson, Sister Hazel and Cassadee Pope on the docket for their Big 95.5 Concert Series sponsored by Miller Lite.
27843 W. Grass Lake Rd., Antioch.
For more music venues in Lake County, click here.
