2015
The Summer 2015 Summer Performance Schedule for the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theatre has been announced. This Summer promises to be the best ever at Bicentennial Park, with a great variety of high value, low-cost performances for visitors to downtown Joliet. Featured programs for Summer range from the weekly free “Concerts On The Hill” – now running Thursdays thru August at 6:30 p.m. – to the rock ‘n’ roll musical: “The Rocky Horror Show” in mid-June, and a “Battle of the Bands” under the bandshell in July. The community cultural arts center is located on historic Bluff Street, at 201 West Jefferson Street along the waterway in downtown Joliet. The popular venue is named after long-time volunteer Mrs. Billie Limacher — who turned 94 in May 2015. Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park offers an indoor theatre, outdoor bandshell and ten-acre parkway for tourists from near and far, and all ages to enjoy in downtown Joliet. The Park is located minutes from the Joliet Area Historical Museum and its Route 66 Welcome Center.
The 2015 summer performances at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theatre include:
The 41st Season of free “Concerts on the Hill”
kicked off June 4 and run every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in June, July and August under the big outdoor bandshell overlooking the river. From marching bands to acapella choirs, polka to jazz, a wide variety of free family entertainment brings the community together on the big grassy hill. Bring blankets and chairs for seating. Concession are available. Picnic baskets are welcome. Parking is free.
“The Rocky Horror Show,” the wildly fun rock ‘n roll musical with a following, will be performed by a talented cast on June 19, 20, 26, 27 and 28. Live shows begin Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday 
matinee at 2:30 p.m. Show tickets cost $15 per person, $10 for groups of 10 or more. New this year, guests can enjoy appetizers, beer and wine during the show, which will be available for purchase one hour before showtime and at intermission. Seating is limited so those interested in attending are urged to purchase them during office hours (M-Th 8am-4:30 pm) and concert nights (Th 6:30 – 8:30 pm, concession window). Reservations are accepted and encouraged: 815-724-3761.
“Summertime On-Stage” Youth Drama Camp for ages 5-18, celebrates its 15th season!
Open to all levels of ability, children study creative dramatics, production design and more Mondays-Thursdays, June 15-July 12 ($180/ $250) while meeting in the indoor theatre for their musical finale.
“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” will be presented by the youth drama campers. Come see what these kids can do! The public is invited to the musical finale on July 11 and 12 at 2:00 p.m. ($3 at the door).
New this year – “Battle of the Bands” shines a light on emerging local talent on Saturday, July 25 from 6:00-10:30 p.m. Open to all amateur bands, six will be selected from submissions to compete for the top 3 spots and cash prizes: 1st $600, 2nd $500 and 3rd $400. Saturday Park admission $5 (cash only) all ages. Come cheer on your town and your favorite band!
The United States Air Force Band Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble returns Tuesday, August 18 at 6:30 p.m. This world-class band is making only 3 stops in Illinois this summer and Joliet’s was chosen as their first performance. The 18-piece band of musicians and vocalists will perform swing to modern jazz. Audience members are invited to join the fun and wear their favorite shade of blue.
“We’re planning our best season ever, and hope for record turnout to these great shows,” said Bicentennial Park & Theatre 
Manager Rich Liebich, who retires July 7, 2015. A City of Joliet employee for the past 27 years. He added, “Bicentennial Park and Theatre believes in giving local talent center stage and a chance to shine. There’s so much right here! There’s a real sense of community here where neighbors and families meet downtown to enjoy quality, affordable entertainment for all ages, all year round, inside and out!” Starting out as a maintenance worker, he was a natural manager as the Park called on his many other talents: theatre lighting and sound design and their respective system operation, designing and building sets through high school and college, professional entertainment requirements and set-up from stage hand experience, landscaping and vegetation knowledge and hard-work ethic from being a farmer, even stone masonry and most importantly, his good humor that left folks with a smile and desire to return.
The Park’s value grows richer with each who pass through it. Nobody knows that better than the founder, Billie Limacher, who received the 2014 Illinois Office of Tourism Lincoln Award (seen here receiving here from Illinois State Travel Director, Jen Hoelzle, and event host, Bill Kurtis, at the Palmer House gala February 3, 2014). Billie was nominated by the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau for four decades of commitment to an outstanding Illinois tourism venue. Affectionately, she still considers the park her “fifth child.” She turned 94 at the end of May 2015. It all started back in the 1970’s when she volunteered for two Bicentennial-year planning committees: one for the City of Joliet and one for Will County. The two merged and she was appointed President of the new not-for-profit, Will-Joliet Bicentennial Incorporated. Ever since, her dedication to the Park has stayed strong. Together with her board, volunteers and the City of Joliet, all continue to champion the importance of community and the beautiful downtown oasis.
The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theatre is located at 201 West Jefferson Street in Joliet. Uniquely situated between the I&M Canal and limestone bluffs of downtown Joliet, minutes from historic Route 66, the venue features an indoor theatre, outdoor bandshell and ten acres of scenic walkways, flower beds, historic markers and outdoor artwork. Indoor and outdoor events are scheduled throughout the year, drawing thousands of visitors annually.
