Scoopin' Genesee, Waukegan's annual auto festival, typically means hot cars, cold beer and NOW ... very cool concerts?

After 2 years of hosting intimate concerts in their Genesee-street cafe, Joplin's Java owners Alice Alviani and Mark MacLeod decided to "take to the streets" by spearheading a fledging music festival during Scoopin Genesee, the biggest event of the year in downtown Waukegan. Also hosted by Family Piano Co, GreenTown Tavern and Gallery on Genesee, this festival celebrates community, families and musical diversity.

"We choose the name 'LOT to Appreciate,'" said Alviani, "because we're having the event in our parking lot. And we want the focus to be on how much we appreciate our present and future friends and customers."

Diversity in the music was key, stressed MacLeod. "We've got Scott May of The Ides of March with his band The Tonellis, so we’ve got great rock. Brian Harris is unbelievable on the piano. This mild-mannered Little League coach can play the most dynamic classical AND popular pieces by Elton John, Billy Joel, Ray Charles and the like. Every time he plays at the cafe, it's sold-out AND encore after encore! We have to keep bringing back Frank Portolese Trio because he's SUCH a amazing jazz guitarist. Chunk of Soul - the name sums it up. Dangerous Liaisons are young enthusiastic Hispanic rockers. R-n-G is a blues band. These last three PACK GreenTown whenever they play! We could just keep going on and on about our talented friends."

The free concerts will be on Friday, July 10th from 3-6 pm and Saturday, July 11th from 10:30AM-6 pm at 114 S. Genesee St on the west side of the beautifully renovated Harbor Place Building (the parking lot is off County St.), which is 1 1/4 blocks South of Washington. You'll need to walk throughout the Scoopin area, so wear comfy shoes and bring a lawn chair.

Family Piano Co., since it opened in 2006, has been dedicated to providing the community with pianos for every budget, and piano tuning & repair. They encourage everyone to make music, offering other instruments, lessons, and with their inviting weekly shows featuring exceptional musicians. They also have recitals and Open Mic / Jam nights filled with local talent. Green Town Tavern showcases dynamic local bands, as well as hosting Karaoke, Open Mic, Trivia Nights and other fun-filled events every week. Gallery On Genesee brings a kaleidoscope of wonderful local artwork to the growing downtown Art District.

"A Lot to Appreciate" is just another way the Harbor Place merchants (Family Piano Co, GreenTown Tavern, Joplin's Java, and Gallery on Genesee) celebrate our community and promote our local musicians and artists.