April is National Poetry Month, and downtown Joliet is ready to put words into action!
Skip Griparis’ “Elvis, Buddy, Roy & Ricky!” – April 6, 2024
SKIP and his BIG LITTLE BAND star in “ELVIS, BUDDY, ROY & RICKY!” [Read more…]
PrideFest
Get ready for a day filled with boundless joy, laughter, and unity at the Joliet PrideFest!
Joliet PrideFest: Embrace the Spectacle of Diversity and Love!
September 23, 2023 * Main Festival 12:00-6:00 PM
Finale Performance by Brian Justin Crum begins at 6:00 PM
We’re pulling out all the stops to create an unforgettable experience that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and promotes acceptance and equality. Joliet PrideFest is packed with an array of exhilarating activities designed to cater to all ages and interests.
The Beat Goes On: Live Music Extravaganza
Feel the rhythm of love as our stages come alive with electrifying live music performances. From local talents to renowned artists, the music will be a powerful reminder that diversity is our strength and harmony is our anthem.
Artistic Expression at Its Best
Let your true colors shine with face painters who transform faces into vibrant canvases of self-expression. From rainbow designs to glittering masterpieces, our artists will help you wear your pride proudly.
Magic, Mermaids, and More
Prepare to be dazzled by mesmerizing magic acts that will leave you in awe. And don’t miss the chance to meet a real-life mermaid, a symbol of fantasy and wonder that embodies the spirit of PrideFest.
Connect and Empower
Explore our resource fair, a hub of knowledge and support from LGBTQ+ organizations and allies. This is your opportunity to engage with advocates, learn about important issues, and strengthen the bonds of our community.
Shop ’til You Drop: Vendor Market Delights
Indulge in retail therapy at our diverse vendor market, where artisans, crafters, and food vendors offer a treasure trove of unique finds and delectable treats.
Bingo, Bouncies, and Boundless Fun
Challenge your luck and play thrilling rounds of bingo, bounce around in our inflatable play zones, and frolic in the foam machine frenzy – all ensuring smiles and laughter are in abundance. If tech is more your thing our game truck is packed with thrilling video games that promise hours of entertainment.
PrideFest Storytime: Sweet Tales of Acceptance and Love
Gather ’round, dear friends, for special PrideFest story times! With hearts as vibrant as a rainbow and a spirits that shines like a disco ball, join us for tales that celebrates love, diversity, and the magic that happens when we embrace our true selves.
Interactive Encounters
Prepare to be amazed by up-close and personal encounters with some of our animal ambassadors. Get a chance to touch, learn, and bond with creatures that might be unfamiliar but share our world. These interactions provide a bridge between different species and remind us of the shared bonds that make our planet so unique.
Axe Throwing Adventure
Discover your inner warrior with our exciting axe throwing experience. Test your aim, compete with friends, and add a touch of exhilaration to your PrideFest adventure.
All Day, All Love
Every activity is available throughout the day, ensuring there’s something for everyone, no matter the hour. Share laughter, make memories, and forge new friendships in a space that embraces love and inclusivity.
Joliet PrideFest is a testament to the power of unity and acceptance. It’s a celebration that reminds us that together, we’re stronger and that our differences are what make us truly beautiful. Join us as we honor diversity, create connections, and write a new chapter in the story of love and equality.
Save the date, spread the word, and let’s make Joliet PrideFest an extraordinary celebration that will echo with laughter and love for years to come!
PRESENTED BY JOLIET PRIDE NETOWRK
CLICK HERE TO VISIT JPN ON
Visit them for PRIDEFEST AFTER DARK (18+) and the competition for MISS PRIDE JOLIET!
Concerts on the Hill – June 1 thru August 31, 2023
Last “Concert on the Hill” is Thursday, August 31 at 6:30 pm,
Congratulations to the Legion Band – National Champs once again! [Read more…]
5th Joliet Blues Festival
Get your tickets now for Joliet’s 5th Blues Festival!
Just $10 in advance ($15 on Saturday).
CLICK the button below to buy online:
Our Joliet Blues Fest made front page new!
CLICK here to read
2023 Blues – Herald News article 8-10-23
Music starts at 3:30pm and we’ll have you home by 10pm.
Lots of food & drinks.
Bring your appetites and lawn chairs, but please, no pets or coolers.
All proceeds are for the benefit of the Park, a 501c3 charity.
Please SHARE THIS with all your music loving friends! See you soon!
2023 BLUES FEST LINEUP
Matt Hendricks and Bill “Cash” Curtis
3:30pm to 4:30pm
Guitarist and blues singer Matt Hendricks and drummer Bill “Cash” Curtis are a Chicago based blues and American roots music duo. Slide guitar player and songwriter Matt Hendrick’s is originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, while his love for the blues is steeped in the South. Matt is versatile and comfortable with a wide range of blue styles and is equally at home in a solo setting or with other musicians. He has a masterful blues fingerpicking and slide guitar style, which complements a deep bluesy voice delivering original and classic songs.
Darren Jay and the Delta Souls
5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Darren Jay Fallas began his career in the music business at 13, playing guitar and performing in venues and night clubs. His skills, discipline and focus on results were later sharpened during several tours of duty with the US Navy. Making Chicago his home, he is a professional singer, songwriter, producer, recording and touring artist for Darren Jay and The Delta Souls, delivering original blues music with flair and energy. Darren has toured with several Blues Music Award winning artists and former member of Derek and The Dominoes Bobby Whitlock’s band. Aside from music Darren has a successful acting career, appearing in popular, locally produced shows like Chicago Med, PD and Fire.
T-Bird Huck and the MVP’s
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
“I’m gonna give my soul to the music I love before I have to take it to the Lord above.” This is Joliet bluesman T-Bird Huck’s testimonial from his Lifetime of Blues CD released in 2005. T-Bird has been called the original Joliet Jake based on his antics when he began playing the blues in the 70’s, long before Saturday Night Live’s “Blues Brothers” skit. T-Bird is the long-time host of the “Joliet Heritage Pro Blues Jam”’ held every other Sunday featuring blues artists from the greater Midwest area.
Brandon Santini
8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
The Joliet Blues Festival is thrilled to feature Hohner harmonica-sponsored blues ace Brandon Santini and his band as the headlining act! Brandon moved to Memphis, Tennessee from the East coast in his early 20’s. His love for the blues took off after discovering John Popper and Paul Butterfield.
He formed the Delta Highway band and released The Devil Had A Woman in 2008. He released his debut album, Songs of Love, Money and Misery, in 2011. In 2013, Santini released This Time Another Year which was nominated for numerous Blues Music Awards. His 2019 album, The Longshot, was released to positive reviews and peaked at Number 7 on the Billboard Blues Album Chart. He announced his new group, Tennessee Redemption, a band co-fronted with Jeff Jensen in mid-2019. He won a Blues Blast Music Award in 2019 for best Contemporary Blues Album. Don’t Shake The Devil’s Hand was released in 2022 and released The Longshot in March of 2023.
Santini has toured the world performing throughout North America, Europe, India, and in Egypt. Santini has performed numerous times on Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea Cruise. Santini’s song, “Got Good Lovin” is featured in episode three of The NBC Peacock Network’s original series, “Poker Face.” Brandon is also the brand ambassador for Three Chord bourbon.
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