Bands on the Bricks to return downtown

Tune up the band because the downtown bricks are ready for a good time. 
Now a strong mid-summertime tradition in Aurora, Bands on the Bricks returns for a sixth year on the downtown square. 
Sara Sutherland, coordinator for Bands on the Bricks, is excited to once again welcome the community downtown for the annual six-week concert series, kicking off Friday through Aug. 11 going from 6-9 p.m. each night. 
“It is really exciting that season six of Bands on the Bricks is almost here,” Sutherland voiced. “What has been the most exciting about planning this year is how many more people ask about it and are in anticipation of it. That shows it has become an event that the community is looking forward to and maybe even starting to plan around to come and enjoy it.”
Things are kicking off Friday downtown with Richie Lee and the Fabulous 50s, beginning at 6 p.m.
Sutherland is also trying out a new concept this year in an effort to include more civics groups to the equation. 
Friday will also be known as Veteran’s Night on the downtown square with the idea of honoring veterans during the event. 
“I am really looking forward to seeing as many veterans in the crowd as possible,” Sutherland said. “My grandpa was really involved with the Legion and always carried the colors in parades, I have fond memories of watching him be involved in the community in that way.”
Sutherland mentioned that members of the VFW will be on hand to present the colors ahead of the performance while also playing Taps and holding a small flag burning ceremony for tattered flags. 
Veterans interested in participating or volunteering are encouraged to contact Sutherland. She’s excited to have as many as possible on hand and having a good time.
“I want to do this as a way to showcase to attendees as to what our community has to offer for opportunites to get involved,” Sutherland noted. 
As for the rest of the bands schedule, Sutherland noted the goal has always been to feature three returning bands as well as three newcoming performers while also covering a wide range of sounds, providing something for everyone. 
The Jason Mayer Band will be in town July 14 with the Tanner Johns Band taking center stage on July 21. 
Brooke Byam and the Daymakers kick off week four on July 28 with Ashley Wineland on Aug. 4 and Soca Jukebox finishing things off on the final week, Aug. 11. 
There will be plenty to offer folks for all ages, especially the kiddos. The area in front of the band will have plenty of space for dancing and having a grand time. 
The bubble machine for the kids won’t be far away, as well as the sidewalk chalk and hula hoops, just like in year’s past. 
Sutherland also mentioned the Bader Park Barrel Train is all ready to go, but she’s hopeful to find a golf cart each week to make the rounds.
“So, if you have a golf cart and are interested in participating, we would love to have you!” she said. 
There will also be a couple of food vendor options provided by Winfield’s Sweets and Eats as well as Pizza Hut each week. The Aurora Chamber will also have a bar, serving adult beverages.
Sutherland is excited to welcome the community downtown once again and kick off the summer series with a packed square. 
“The community support for the event has grown every year, which has been really great to see,” Sutherland said. “The businesses are continuing to support the event in way of sponsorships that helps keep it free admission which is really great. The bands’ rates really increased after COVID so the additional support to cover the expenses as been really helpful.”
She also mentioned volunteers are still welcome and won’t be turned away any of the next six weeks. Set up begins around 3 p.m. downtown while the teardown is about an hour from 9-10 p.m.
“Employees of the sponsoring businesses for each night do a wonderful job of helping in this way as well,” she said. 
As has been the case in the past, the event is rain or shine and despite the brutal mid-summer heat, usually becomes a great evening as the sun begins to go down.
With the band stage set up on the east side of the courthouse, everything is in shade by the time music begins to play and with a breeze, becomes a great night to be out with the family. 
Sutherland also encourages the community to view Bands on the Bricks as more of a street festival instead of a concert because of the lower noise levels, providing a chance for converstation amongst crowd-goers. 
“The decibel level of the band playing is more around 90 so that you can still have great conversation with people around you without yelling or leaving with your ears ringing,” she finished. 
The lineup is as follows: July 7 -- Richie Lee & the Fabulous 50s; July 14 -- Jason Mayer Band; July 21 -- Tanner Johns Band; July 28 -- Brooke Byam & the Daymakers; Aug. 4 -- Ashley Wineland; Aug 11 -- Soca Jukebox.