Raised stage, improved sound and lighting, special seating options all add to draw of enjoying great musical acts in Island Lake
ISLAND LAKE — Positioning 3D Sideouts Sports Tavern to be the local place for enjoying great live bands under the stars has been something of a quest for owner Jerry DeLaurentis.
While his focus this summer has shifted from big, blowout Bands in the Sand weekends to making his more intimate patio stage area more enticing than ever, DeLaurentis predicts no shortage of crowds — or of crowd-pleasing electricity. Five nationally touring bands are scheduled so far, with numerous other No. 1 Chicagoland cover bands heading to Island Lake during weekends throughout the summer and into the fall.
Music lovers will enjoy their favorites on a spacious patio stage area with room for about 800 attendees — 1,000 if the gates are opened to the crate bar and new skydeck atop it. The outdoor area’s great summer vibe includes potted palms, a fire table, a gazebo bar and multiple seating levels.
“Between the band schedule and the new setup, we’re going to be bigger and better than ever,” DeLaurentis said as he showed off his newly raised patio stage and talked about the 6-by-10-foot video wall crews soon would install there.
That’s not to mention his investment in an improved sound system, with subwoofers now tucked under the 3.5-foot-high stage floor, better lighting, and exclusive seating options. The latter includes the newly constructed skydeck, or the gazebo bar with side deck, either of which can be reserved for parties of up to 20 people.
Several other VIP, reserved, stage-view table seating options also are available, in addition to general admission tickets, for all shows.
And it all kicks off this weekend, when DeLaurentis anticipates a terrific crowd in attendance for the Freddy Jones Band Saturday, June 22. That’s the first of the five big acts so far booked for the summer at Sideouts, 4018 W. Roberts Road, Island Lake. Other nationally touring acts on the schedule include Local H July 13, Imposters in Effect: Beastie Boys Tribute July 27, Mungion Aug. 10, and The Prince Experience Aug. 17.
Additionally, great local and regional talent will be featured Thursday through Sunday weekly through September, DeLaurentis said. Hairbangers Ball, for example, plays Friday, June 21. Others include The 1985, Too Hype Crew, Fool House and more.
Those interested can find further details at 3dsideouts.com/events-calendar, where visitors also will find the ticketweb link for purchases. Prices vary depending on the performance, but typically fall within the $25 range for general admission for a nationally touring act, or $15 for a regional band, and up to $1,000 to reserve the skydeck or gazebo bar.
VIP table reservations also are available; prices vary depending on size of the party. Find full details at ticketweb.com.
Shows are rain or shine, with food and drink available for purchase. For additional general information, visit 3dsideouts.com, find Sideouts Sports Tavern on social, or call 847-526-7174.
“It’s going to be a fantastic summer for music fans at Sideouts,” DeLaurentis said. “Our new outdoor venue is second to none.”