Where to Catch Live Music This Summer

Waukegan’s summer music calendar runs deeper than the festival dates most visitors already know about. The Waukegan Band — now in its 90th season — plays free concerts at Stiner Pavilion every Tuesday night at 7:30pm; bring a blanket and something for dinner, it’s a genuine community tradition, not a tourist show.

Down at the harbor, On The Rocks books a different local act almost every night of the week, right on the shore of Lake Michigan, with a full-service cash bar and fire pits if the evening cools off. It’s cash-only, and there’s no cover most nights.

For something a little more low-key, the Waukegan Yacht Club’s Harbor Lounge runs Thursday nights — a rotating lineup of original music and tribute acts, no cost to get in, just pay for what you eat and drink. Bar opens at 6, music starts at 6:30.