Sponsors sought for Burr Ridge concerts

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Updated: April 23, 2012 1:50AM

Thanks to the support of a few local businesses, last year’s summer concert series cost the village of Burr Ridge about $800.

With a little more cooperation, that price could be even lower this year, said Lisa Scheiner, assistant to the village administrator and staff liaison to the Events Committee.

So far, six of the 10 concerts scheduled on the Village Green this summer have corporate sponsorship. Each $1,500 sponsorship covers the cost of the entertainment and marketing, and puts $1,500 back into the village coffers, Scheiner said.

According to perennial supporter Russell Smith, sponsorship also provides a considerable amount of advertising.

“It’s great publicity,” Smith said. “We get a lot of advertising for the buck.”

This year, the Edward Jones financial advisor will sponsor the Neverly Brothers performance on June 15 and Billy Elton, a tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John, on July 27.

Loyola Center for Health, Mars Chocolate North America and The Community Bank of Willowbrook also are sponsors again this year.

“All of our sponsors from last year are coming back,” Scheiner said.

Still in need of corporate backing are a June 22 performance by The Connexion Band, the Flat Cats on June 29, Pamela Rose & Windy City Country on July 13, and The Moods on Aug. 3.

“It’s a great way for businesses to build relationships,” said Scheiner, who called concert sponsorship a great advertising opportunity.

Sponsors’ names appear in printed materials about the concerts, on the village website and in the Park District brochure.

“They also get some time on the microphone,” Scheiner said.

Smith said he uses the concerts themselves as a way to get out and meet potential customers. While enjoying the music and festivities, he passes out popcorn and information about his business. Mars traditionally provides ice cream bars to the crowd at its summer concert.

As a resident and business owner in Burr Ridge, Smith said he enjoys the summer series.

“I call it Little Ravinia,” he said. “It’s so nice.”

Scheiner said last year’s concerts averaged 800 attendees, with many attracting a crowd of 1,000 or more.

“Our attendance has gone up considerably every year,” she said.

This year’s concerts will be made even better with a new performance tent and an improved sound system, Scheiner said.

For information about sponsoring a concert, call Scheiner at (630) 654-8181, Ext. 2010.