Summer evenings in Central Illinois are about to sound a little sweeter as the 9th annual Rock Springs Summer Concert Series returns with free live music, family-friendly entertainment, and a lineup filled with folk, Americana, bluegrass, and more.

Sponsored by Stifel Investment Services, the Rock Springs Summer Concert Series begins May 31st and continues every other Sunday throughout the summer from 7 to 8 PM at Rock Springs Conservation Area in Decatur, Illinois. Organizers say the event is designed to give families and music lovers a relaxing way to spend a summer evening outdoors.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets, and to settle in on the lawn near the pavilions for the hour-long performances, which begin each night at 7 PM.

This year’s series opens with Dusty James and Abalone Pearl, a St. Louis-based folk duo known for its use of a variety of instruments and energetic performances. On June 14th, returning favorite Tim Crosby takes the stage once again, bringing his blend of Americana and roots music back to Rock Springs after appearing in last year’s series.

The music continues on June 28th with WisenHeart, a mother-daughter Americana duo making their first appearance at the event.

The second half of the summer introduces even more new performers. Broken Brogue, a four-piece Celtic folk band, will fill the air with traditional Irish and Scottish sounds on July 12th. Then on July 26th, Back Porch Trio will perform a wide range of easy-listening music spanning several genres.

Closing out the series on August 9th will be Harlem Hayfield, a group known for their unique style described by listeners as “rustbelt soul.”

Snacks will be available for purchase during each concert, and organizers say that if rain moves into the area, performances will simply move indoors to the Rock Springs Nature Center.

Further detailed information can be found at MaconCCD.org.