Rotary Green
Elk Grove, Illinois
July 4, 2025
Photos and write-up: Roman Sobus
A long Holiday weekend, family get-togethers with a good bbq culminating with spectacular fireworks lighting up the sky makes for a perfect fourth of July celebration. Throw in a solid band for some entertainment and some summer like weather and perfect just falls short describing the day.
Several thousand people from around the Greater Chicago area converged on Rotary Green in suburban Elk Grove beginning in early afternoon to catch a performance by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees and local rock legends Cheap Trick and the fireworks display that followed. For many, it was their second trek to the park as some had been there at dawn in pouring rain to set up lawn chairs in the reserved section in front of the stage. The weather cleared by noon with bright sunshine and patchy clouds.
The band is no stranger to the area, hailing from Rockford Illinois, about 90 miles Northwest of Chicago. The band was founded in 1973 by guitarists Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson and drummer Bun E. Carlos. Carlos parted with the band in 2010, subsequently replaced by Daxx Nielsen. Over the years. They have opened shows for the likes of Queen, Aerosmith, Foo Fighters, Joan Jett, Pearl Jam and countless others. Their performances are always fun, worth attending. This was no exception.
Despite this being a Park District event, they hit the stage, playing a 19 song set opening with “Hello There”, and included such favorites as “Heaven Tonight”, “I Want You to Want Me” and “Surrender”.
Rick Nielson was less animated than usual, leaving the stage several times and playing from a seated position after a leg injury earlier that day. They concluded the performance with “Goodnight”.
A recorded playing of The Star Spangled Banner followed immediately and amazing fireworks closed out the evening!
