Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau: New outdoor concert series makes downtown Rockford, Ill., glow green!

Sophie B. Hawkins to headline Green Light Nights outdoor concert

ROCKFORD, IL — Downtown Rockford is pulsing with energy this summer thanks to a new outdoor concert series called Green Light Nights. Part outdoor concert and part block party, the series gives music lovers the chance to check out popular national, regional and local acts without the sticker shock of big city concert ticket prices.

The next Green Light Nights will be held on Saturday, August 14, and is sure to be the biggest yet! The evening’s headliner is national recording sensation Sophie B. Hawkins, who is known for hits like “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” and “As I Lay Me Down.” Local musicians Kelly Steward and Emily Hurd will open for this all ages show, and there will be a fall fashion preview featuring Lexy Charms. Food will be available for purchase, and vendors from local shops and boutiques will have merchandise for sale.

At a glance:

What: Green Light Nights featuring headliner Sophie B. Hawkins

When: Saturday, August 14

5 p.m.: Gates open

6 p.m.: Emily Hurd

7:15 p.m.: Lexy Charms Fashion Show

8:30 p.m.: Kelly Steward

10 p.m.: Sophie B. Hawkins

Where: Block party on Main Street in front of Kryptonite Bar, 308 W. State St., Rockford, Ill.

Cost: $12, free for children younger than 10

More information: http://www.greenlightrockford.com

About Sophie B. Hawkins

Sophie B. Hawkins emerged in 1992 with her debut album Tongues & Tails – best known for the single “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” – which quickly went gold and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. Her album Whaler followed two years later, which also went gold and featured the single “As I Lay Me Down.” Hawkins hasn’t looked back since, releasing several more albums, one of which was created using a variety of instruments, including guitar, cello, drums, keys and exotic percussion, in her home studio in Los Angeles. She is currently hard at work writing a Broadway musical for Kristin Chenoweth and working on her new album. Visit http://www.sophiebhawkins.com for more information.

About Emily Hurd

Rockford native Emily Hurd recently released her sixth album entitled “Daytime Fireflies.” She has been touring the Midwest and both coasts of the U.S. for years, making her well-traveled, well-versed, and the quintessential indie national act. Her live performances showcase her breathtaking vocals, fearless lyrics and unique piano and ukulele musicianship. Hurd’s pianistic punch, vintage grooves, stunning arrangements, and memorable melodies are catching the ears of fans across the globe. She has opened as a solo act for the likes of Roger McGuinn and Geoff Muldaur and has shared the stage with Bettye Lavette, Ozomatli, and Irma Thomas, to name a few. Visit http://www.emilyhurd.com for more information.

About Kelly Steward

Kelly Steward is a Rockford, Illinois-based singer, songwriter, and recording artist. She is a raw musical talent with a voice rich in deep tones and a range that stops folks dead in their tracks. Compared to such songwriting greats as Patty Griffin, Emmylou Harris and Melissa Etheridge, her songs are catchy tunes that can stand the test of time with simple, relatable lyrics. For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/kellystewardmusic.

About Lexy Charms

Lexy Charms is a casual, contemporary line of clothing and accessories. Lexy Charms seeks to create fashionable, hand-designed pieces that compliment any niche and transition effortlessly from day to night. For more information, visit http://www.lexycharms.com or http://www.myspace.com/lexycharms.

Rockford, IL, is located approximately 60 minutes west of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport off Interstate 90. For information on accommodations and things to do, visit http://www.gorockford.com. The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit organization that champions efforts to promote and further develop the Rockford Region as an overnight visitor destination. RACVB generates positive economic impact for the community through investments in tourism marketing, sales, promotion and advocacy.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Mika Doyle, RACVB Marketing Coordinator: 815.489.1678, mdoyle@gorockford.com