Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater kicks off 7th season with packed summer lineup

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater is gearing up for another summer of concerts, with the lakefront venue set to kick off its seventh season this week.

General Manager Dustin Bradshaw said crews have spent weeks preparing the venue for another packed concert schedule, including installing lighting and sound equipment ahead of opening night.

“We’ve spent a lot of time getting things ready, getting everything cleaned up, getting the lights in, getting the sound in,” Bradshaw said.

The season begins Friday night with a performance by “The 1985: Totally 80's Mixtape Live!,” an 80s cover band that Bradshaw described as a party atmosphere for fans.

Throughout the summer, the amphitheater will host a mix of country, hip-hop and tribute acts. Bradshaw said he is especially excited about an upcoming Jackson tribute show, along with performances from artists including Brantley Gilbert, Jordan Davis and Sara Evans.

“We’ve got a lot of great acts coming in,” Bradshaw said. “It’s just going to be a great year.”

Bradshaw said continued community support has helped the venue thrive, even as live music venues across the country face challenges tied to the economy and slowing ticket sales.

“Across the nation, live music venues are struggling,” Bradshaw said. “Luckily, the numbers show we still have strong support from our community.”

The amphitheater is also introducing several new food and beverage options this year, including expanded nonalcoholic offerings and cold brew coffee drinks.

Bradshaw said planning for each season starts months in advance, with booking efforts beginning nearly a year before opening day.

“A lot of people don’t realize that our scheduling for the year starts in August the year before,” Bradshaw said. “There are hours of contacts put in, offers put in, communication just to have a season like this.”

The amphitheater is implementing a clear bag policy. Bradshaw said the policy is designed to improve security and speed up entry lines.

“Don’t get stuck at the gate with a bag and have to take it back to your car,” Bradshaw said. “It’s going to help everybody get in the doors faster.”

He also encouraged fans to purchase tickets directly through the venue’s website to avoid inflated prices and scams from third-party sellers. To learn more, click here.