MAC's Lakeside Pavilion Summer Concert Series

Join us for the return of our annual Lakeside Summer Series for free outdoor entertainment all summer long! This beautifully designed area includes a performance space looking out over a lush lawn and gorgeous lake. Bring blankets, lawn chair and a picnic and enjoy the variety of performances we have scheduled for you.

Friday, July 15, 7:30 p.m.  Concert: Through the Years Moved Indoors to the Belushi Performance Hall. Click Here for Weather Policy

Featuring Don Gatlin with the Kenny Rogers Band

The late Grammy Award-winner Kenny Rogers performed his last concert in Nashville in 2017, but the band that backed him for more than 40 years realized that there is still a tremendous demand for his songs and felt that this show would be a way they could honor him. Rogers was a fan of Gatlin’s voice and asked Gatlin and his band, Savannah Jack, to join him on the road. This led to 66 performances opening for Rogers.  Gatlin and the band will be performing Rogers’ best-loved hits including “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Islands In The Stream,” “Lucille,” “Coward of the County,” “She Believes In Me” and “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town” as well as share first-hand stories of being on the road with “The Gambler.”

Sunday, July 17, 2 p.m.                    Family Series: Ralph’s World

Ralph’s World is the creation of indie rocker, songwriter, playwright, and children’s book author Ralph Covert. Covert has taken the same high-energy and super-melodic sense that he developed for his touring pop-rock band, The Bad Examples, to kid’s music. Essentially only the lyrics are changed for the ears of the younger set.  “It is possible that Mr. Covert will turn out to be the kid’s music genre’s Elvis Presley, or at the very least its Elvis Costello. He brings a trace of childlike wonder to what he does; and there is a trace of the bad boy in there, too.” (New York Times).

Thursday, July 21, 7:30 p.m.            WDCB LIVE Jazz Concert Series: Altoizm

Chicago saxophone supergroup featuring three of Chicago’s finest alto saxophonists Greg Ward, Sharel Cassity and Rajiv Halim — anchored by pianist/producer Richard Johnson, bassist Jeremiah Hunt and drummer Michael Piolet. Their exciting self-titled “Altoizm” CD brought them nationwide acclaim in 2021. “Each saxophonist is an accomplished composer, with high-level curatorial consciousness.” (Downbeat). This event is presented in partnership with 90.9 FM WDCB.

Friday, July 22, 7:30 p.m.                 Concert: The Greatest Piano Men

This electrifying production celebrates the world’s greatest piano icons and showmen in music history – from Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis and Ray Charles to Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Billy Joel and even as far back as Beethoven and Liberace. The Greatest Piano Men rocks the stage with three incredibly talented pianists, an eight-piece band and hit songs including “Good Golly Miss Molly,” “Superstition,” “I’m Still Standing,” “Hit the Road Jack,” and “New York State of Mind.”

Sunday, July 24, 2 p.m.                    Family Series: Family Fiesta

This celebration features performances by Mariachi Monumental de Mexico and Aurora’s Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl led by Director and Choreographer Juan Manuel “Nery” Cruz.

Thursday, July 28, 7:30 p.m.            WDCB LIVE Jazz Concert Series:

Dave Stryker’s 8-Track Band

Jazz guitarist Dave Stryker toured with soul jazz legends Brother Jack McDuff and Stanley Turrentine before recording his debut as a leader in 1988. He’s now made more than three dozen albums spotlighting his distinctive and soulful guitar. Since 2014, Stryker has scored three JazzWeek top-five jazz radio hit albums with his 8-Track Band. Featuring vibes and organ along with Stryker’s guitar, this quartet reimagines the pop and R&B hits of the 1970s when 8-track tape players ruled car dashboards. This event is presented in partnership with 90.9 FM WDCB.

Friday, July 29, 7:30 p.m.                 Concert: Magic of Motown

By popular demand, The Magic of Motown returns with glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves, outstanding musicianship and the incredible harmonies made famous by the Temptations, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Earth, Wind, & Fire and more. (This is a tribute show and is no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/management companies or similar shows.) This event is sponsored by Follett.

Sunday, July 31, 4 p.m.                    Family Series: Artrageous

Artrageous offers something for everyone whether they are a performer at heart or are looking to be entertained. Last seen at the MAC in 2019, this troupe of 12 artists, singers, dancers and musicians creates fascinating visual art pieces on stage while live musicians are performing popular musical styles from pop to country. Each scene or musical number includes audience participation.

Friday, Aug. 5, 7:30 p.m.                  Concert: New Philharmonic

Under the direction of Conductor and Music Director Kirk Muspratt, the awarded symphony orchestra performs a highly entertaining mix of classical, Broadway pops, movie scores and more.

As a courtesy to other patrons:

• Patrons will not be allowed access to the Pavilion until 6p.
• Tarps, blankets or other items may not be laid down to save space for guests not already in attendance. You may not hold or reserve space for others in any way. This is a first come, first serve situation.
• No outside alcohol, coolers, or kegs are permitted on the property.
• Umbrellas, tents, pets and skateboards are not allowed at Lakeside Pavilion.
• All members of your party must be present to be seated – holding space for groups is not permitted. Groups of twenty or more can make arrangements to Rent-a-Tent by contacting the MAC Box Office at 630.942.4000. Rental rates start at $500. Arrangements must be made no less than one week prior to the event you wish to attend.

Weather Policy

• In the case of inclement weather, some concerts may be moved inside the Belushi Performance Hall or Playhouse Theatre.
• In the case of concerts moving indoors to the Belushi Performance Hall, seating may be limited. 780 FREE tickets will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis beginning at 5p in the MAC lobby. A limit of 2 tickets per person will be given away.
• Food and drinks will be available for sale beginning at 5:30p.
• Doors to the theater will open between 6-6:30p based on set-up needs.
• No chairs, coolers, blankets, outside food or drink are permitted into the Belushi Performance Hall or Playhouse Theatre.
  Lakeside Concessions
• MAC Concessions are available at all concerts and movies and provided by local restaurant and bar partners. Concession menu includes: wine, beer, soda, special drinks, hamburgers, hotdogs, desserts, popcorn and snacks. Outside alcohol is not permitted onto the property as well as coolers, kegs, umbrellas, tents and skateboards.

Lakeside Location

The Lakeside Pavilion is located immediately behind the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage. Our address is 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn. We recommend parking in either the front parking lot (Fawell A) or the one alongside the PE building (College 1A).