Sunday Music Concerts: Bishops Hill Winery Adds Nashville Talent
JOLIET — Now that Taste of Joliet is over, thousands of people in the Joliet area might be looking for something new and exciting this weekend. Joliet musician and event promoter Tim Placher is organizing his first-ever “Nashville On The Hill” series at Joliet’s Bishops Hill Winery.
The first concert will take place this Sunday, June 30.
“I grew up only a few blocks from the winery location, and I remembered it as the bishop’s house, then offices for the Joliet Diocese, but I hadn’t been inside since the new owners restored the ‘castle’ to its original grandeur,” Placher explained.
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Bishops Hill co-owner Damon Zdunich “invited me over to take a tour, and I walked out completely blown away by what they had already accomplished. And now, with all the continuing improvements to the grounds, the in-progress plans to create a banquet/gathering hall, and now also lodging, I’m simply hoping to use whatever talents and contacts I’ve developed to help their vision succeed while also helping creating a beautiful new Joliet venue for both local and touring music artists,” Placher informed Joliet Patch’s editor.
“So many people in our area travel to Nashville to enjoy the entertainment and music talent, and this is a way to bring high-quality, award-winning performers from Music City right to the heart of Joliet while at the same time, introducing a bunch of new people to the amazing things happening at Bishops Hill,” Placher continued.
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What is Nashville On The Hill?
A new monthly summer Sunday series featuring acclaimed and award-winning touring musicians from Nashville, Tennessee, hosted by Joliet’s Bishops Hill Winery, housed in the historic 1892 limestone “castle” that was once home to the owner of the Sehring Brewery and Joliet’s bishops.
When are the shows?
2 to 4 p.m. on three Sundays: June 30, July 21 and August 18.
Where is it located?
Bishops Hill Winery is at 310 Bridge St., Joliet. The winery is housed in the 1892 limestone castle that was originally home to the owner of Sehring Brewery, then Joliet’s Catholic bishops.
What artists are playing?
Sunday, June 30—Katie Pederson and Bonner Black
Sunday, July 21— Laney Jones and Derek Luttrell
Sunday, August 18—Grace Pettis and Robby Hecht
Artists include International Songwriting Contest winner Katie Pederson; 2024 Bonnaroo Festival stage host Bonner Black; Laney Jones, who has performed at New York’s Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and been featured on PBS’s “Great Perfomances;” Derek Luttrell, lead singer and songwriter for the touring band “Texas Chain Store Managers;” Robby Hecht, who has penned 60 songs recorded by other artists, as well as compiled 25 millions streams of his own releases: and Grace Pettis, winner of NPR’s “Mountain Stage New Song Contest,” a Buddy Holly Foundation grant recipient, and official showcase artist at 2024’s Folk Alliance Conference in Kansas City and South By Southwest in Austin, TX.
Can I still get tickets?
Yes! Tickets are available for the entire series or individual shows ($60 for the entire series of three shows, $25 for a single show), and each ticket includes a glass of wine per show. Visit www.bishopshill.com or call (312)320-1610.
How do the shows work?
Each two-hour show features two Nashville-based performers performing their original music and select covers. Shows will be held outdoors on the east lawn of the winery (moved inside, if necessitated by weather). Bring your own outdoor chair. A glass of wine is included with your ticket purchase, and Bishops Hill has a variety of their award-winning wines available, plus charcuterie boards and salsas and chips available for purchase. (Winery will have extended hours on show days beyond usual Sunday hours). Parking is available adjacent to the “castle” building or in the winery lot on Summit St.
Do I need to bring a chair?
Yes, bring your own chair for the winery lawn, plus feel free to bring a small table for your beverages and food choices.
What if it rains?
There is ample space indoors in the winery’s main tasting rooms to accommodate the show if inclement or severe weather does not allow for an outdoor show.
I love the wine! Can I purchase more??
Yes! Bishops Hill’s award-winning wines will be available for purchase at the show, and orders can also be placed at bishopshill.com. The winery also runs a “Wine Club” with outstanding benefits for members. Ask a winery representative about joining or visit the winery Web site at bishopshill.com
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