ToCasino.net Online Casino

Grand Victoria Casino Elgin is ending summer on a musical note with a concert featuring three rock bands including American Idol alum Chris Daughtry's band.

Daughtry is the last act in the Grand Victoria's Summer Concert Series on Saturday at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., in downtown Elgin. Daughtry is joined by Hinder and Dishwalla on the tour.

Chris Daughtry is a former American Idol contestant and has released five albums with the band since his appearance on the show. He has also worked with various artist as a songwriter and lead vocalist.

Hinder's songs include "Get Stoned" and "Lips of an Angel" and the band has toured with Motely Crue, Nickelback, Aerosmith and Papa Roach, according to its website. Their latest album was released in May 2015.

Dishwalla has released five albums since signing with A&M Records in 1994, according to its website. The alternative rock band's most famous song is "Counting Blue Cars" and fans call Dishwalla one of the best live bands from the '90s, the site stated.

"Given these acts' popularity, we hope to bring thousands of people to Elgin this holiday weekend," said Jim Thomason, the casino's general manager.

Four concerts were scheduled at Festival Park this summer. Rick Springfield with Loverboy and the Romantics performed on July 3 and Mark Farner with Felix Cavaliere's Rascals and Rare Earth performed July 4.

A July 30 concert with Lynyrd Skynyrd with Whitford/St. Holmes and Atlanta Rhythm Section was canceled when Lynyrd Skynyrd's founding member and guitar player Gary Rossington had to undergo a medical procedure and take time off of touring to recover.

The two concerts over the Fourth of July holiday drew about 6,000 people to Festival Park, with Rick Springfield drawing a bigger crowd, Thomason said. The Fourth of July fireworks drew about 7,500 more people to downtown Elgin, he said.

The Kathy and Eric Food Truck Festival held Aug. 5 drew a huge crowd as well.

People attending the Grand Victoria Casino's events have given the casino positive feedback, Thomason said.

"They enjoy not only the entertainment, but the food and beverage options on site as well," he said. "Many of them make a night of it by visiting the casino and/or the area restaurants after the concerts."

The Summer Concert Series will continue next year, Thomason said. The casino is also planning other events designed to attract people to downtown Elgin, like the food truck festival, he said.

Grand Victoria Casino continues working on building a permanent pavilion for its summer concerts, Thomason said.

"We are working with the city of Elgin and community leaders to lay the groundwork in making this project become a reality," he said. "A permanent pavilion in Festival Park would make Elgin a more desirable venue for high-profile acts with a wider audience."

This weekend's concerts begin at 7 p.m. Saturday. Gates open at 5 p.m. Lawn tickets are $30 and reserved seats range from $50 to $85 plus service fees. Those attending the concert can bring their ticket to Club GVC and join the club (membership is free) for a chance to win autographed memorabilia including a drum, guitar or framed poster. Drawings will be held at 11:59 p.m. in the casino.

Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.