You waited all year and it's finally here: summer! Now that you can go outside without eight layers (plus parka!), relish it and enjoy the many nighttime attractions offered. There's so much to do, Make It Better hardly knows what to choose. Pack a picnic and catch a show at one of your favorite local parks…quick, before it gets cold again!  ...You waited all year and it's finally here: summer! Now that you can go outside without eight layers (plus parka!), relish it and enjoy the many nighttime attractions offered. There's so much to do, Make It Better hardly knows what to choose. Pack a picnic and catch a show at one of your favorite local parks…quick, before it gets cold again!

• Deerfield's Mitchell Park hosts their Summer Sampler at Wilmot and Hazel, at 5 p.m. on Sundays. On June 29, Shirley King sings the blues, and then Maryann and the Professors rock out on July 6. Calling all ABBA fans–check out ABBA Salute's tribute to the Swedish sensation on July 13. Billy Childers performs country rock on July 20, Soul Cookin' on July 27. For more information, call 847-945-0650.

• This year Evanston's Starlight Concert Series has expanded to a whopping 16 concerts at four locations throughout the summer! All free, and all picnic friendly. In July: Lamajamal at Harbert Park on July 1; the R&B stylings of Lynne Jordan and the Shivers at Twiggs Park on July 8; the country rock of JT and the Clouds at James Park on July 10; on July 17 the honkytonk sounds of The Hoyle Brothers at James Park; jazz flutists from the Nicole Mitchell Quartet perform at Dawes Park on July 22; Reggae Cowboys at James Park on July 24; July 29 the Ken Arlen Orchestra at Dawes Park. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the following four parks: Dawes Park, Sheridan Road (at Church Street); Twiggs Park, Simpson Street (Dodge Avenue); James Park, Dodge Avenue at Mulford; Harbert Park, east of Canal, south of Dempster. Rain sites for Dawes and James parks concerts is the Levy Senior Center (300 Dodge Ave.); rain sites for Twiggs and Harbert parks concerts is Fleetwood-Jourdain Center (1655 Foster St., Evanston.) Call 847-448-8058 after 4 p.m. for rain site updates.

• In Glencoe, check out the Hot Summer Nights Music Series from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m, Thursdays at Chicago Botanic Garden (1000 Lake-Cook Road, 847-835-5440). Picnics allowed on the Esplanade only on concert nights; light fare, wine, and beer available for purchase. On July 3 catch Chicago con Clase with Saladeen Alamin; July 10 Tafaneyi (David) Gweshe and the Boterekwa Dance Troupe performs; July 17 Big City Swing with Lesley Byers and the Jazz Cats; July 24 The Chicago Cajun Aces; July 31 Tafaneyi (David) Gweshe and the Boterekwa Dance Troupe returns. Free admission; parking is $15.

• Music on the Esplanade at the Chicago Botanic Garden (1000 Lake-Cook Rd., Glencoe, 847-835-5440) on Tuesdays from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Picnics allowed on the Esplanade only on concert nights; light fare, wine, and beer available. Various concerts throughout July: July 1 Fernandez + Kimball; July 8 The Cleavers perform '60s and '70s rock; July 15 Grand Avenue Big Band; July 22 Fernandez + Kimball; July 29 The Chicago Kingsnakes.
  

• The Esplanade also hosts Dancin' Sprouts, children's musical entertainment with performers doing two shows at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the summer months. The wildly popular Jeannie B. performs on July 16. Free admission; $15 for parking.

• Glenview Park District presents outdoor concerts at Jackman Park Gazebo (at Lehigh and Prairie). Concerts start at 7 p.m., so bring your dinner, folding chairs, and lawn blankets. Catch the Caribbean vibe of Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band on July 2; Bopology performs swing music on July 9; July 16 Juke Box Band; July 23 Ac*Rock (a capella rock 'n roll); the rock band Only Sons plays on July 30.

• Northbrook's Park Fest 2008 features concerts at Village Green Gazebo (1810 Walters Ave., 847-291-2985). Food service begins at 6:30 p.m. with different restaurants each night, concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Catch various concerts throughout July: on July 1 Soul Cookin' performs; July 8 the White Saddle Band; July 15 Country Sky Band; July 22 rock band Class of '68. Catch The iLoveNorthbrook Singing Competition finals on July 1. Call weather hotline 847-604-1893 after 6 p.m. on concert day for updates.

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