The Geneva Chamber of Commerce’s 70th Annual Swedish Days Festival runs from Tuesday to Sunday, June 18-23 in downtown Geneva and has an array of talent that offers something for every type of music fan at three different venues.
“Bringing a mix of genres and styles to the festivals is always top of mind. Having entertainment begin on Wednesday with Geneva Park District performances and Geneva’s Got Talent semi-finals allowed the Geneva Chamber to bring new 'hot' bands each evening to Central Stage, Thursday through Saturday. We hope the audience enjoys the changes,” noted Laura Rush, Communications Director of Geneva Chamber of Commerce.
Wednesday
The Central Stage entertainment will begin at 4 p.m. as the Swedish American Children’s Choir welcomes you with a traditional Swedish Välkommen. At 5 p.m. enjoy live performances by the Geneva Park District’s Angels Cheer & Poms Team, the Geneva Gymnastics Academy, Playhouse 38 youth performers, and the Geneva Park District’s Sunset Dance Academy. Immediately following will be the semifinalists from “Geneva’s Got Talent” performances.
Thursday & Friday
Thursday do not miss “Geneva’s Got Talent” finalists starting at 5 p.m. The evening entertainment continues with Planet Groove (PG), a seven-piece band playing high energy music from the 1960s-today.
Starting at 5 p.m. Friday, get your inner ABBA on as Dancing Queen recreates an ABBA experience that will not soon be forgotten. At 7 p.m. Semple takes the Swedish Days Central Stage for the first time. With styles ranging from 1970s rock to modern pop songs, and everything in between, everyone is sure to leave happy.
Saturday
Saturday Parrotheads will enjoy Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band as they play plenty of Buffett favorites, as well as music from Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Paul Simon, Dick Dale and many others. The evening concludes with ARRA performing the hits by the biggest bands of all time with precision and excellence has been the secret to their success.
Other Entertainment
If you have some time around lunch, do not miss “Concerts on the Lawn.” This ever-popular midday musical event is held 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The lineup includes the talents of Cole Brandt, Kelsey & Owen and Danny O’Brien.
Saturday and Sunday get your Swede on as singers, dancers and musicians perform at Sweden Väst, including for the first time, Swedish quintet Jaerv on Sunday.
All evening concerts will be held at the Central Stage and Concerts on the Lawn are during the day in front of the courthouse. Both venues are on Third and James streets. Sweden Väst entertainment takes place on the corner of Fourth and State streets.
Central Stage is presented by Gerald Auto Group and co-sponsored by Geneva Park District, Inland Bank, Kane County Chronicle/Shaw Media and Paws In Time.
Concerts on the Lawn is sponsored by American Bank & Trust and 151st Annual Kane County Fair.
Car Show
The Chamber also will be hosting the Wheels on Third class car show from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 20 as part of the Swedish Days Festival. The event takes place on Third Street between South and Crescent streets in the downtown.
The Chamber is looking for classic cars to be part of this inaugural event and will accept the first 50 registrants. Registration is free and can be done online.
For More Information
Festival brochures will be available in May at the Geneva Chamber office (8 S. Third St., Geneva), many shops/restaurants around town or on the Chamber's website. The festival is supported by Northwestern Medicine.