Chicago’s own Waco Brothers will open the City of Evanston’s 2012 Starlight Concert series with a free performance on Thursday, June 14, at James Park, 300 Dodge Avenue in Evanston. Presented by the City of Evanston, the series features 16 free outdoor concerts at six park locations throughout Evanston.

Founded by Jon Langford of the Mekons, the Waco Brothers’ train-wreck approach to country has been described as Johnny Cash meets the Clash. Other performers on the Starlight Concert series include garage rock legends ? and the Mysterians, down and dirty R & B singer Andre Williams, the raw county blues of Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, and Django Reinhardt disciple Alfonso Ponticelli.

All performances are free to the public, and will take place from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, rain site information will be available after 4:30 p.m. on the show date by calling 847/448-8258, 847/448-8260 or 847/44-4311. More at www.cityofevanston.org/starlight.  

Waco Brothers: Chicago alt country favorites: Johnny Cash meets the Clash, June 14, James Park

Juneteenth Day Celebration: Four urban contemporary groups: T-Dot, Da G-Twinz, Slique and T.L. Williams, June 19, Harbert Park

JT and the Clouds: Roots rock with a touch of Memphis soul, June 21, James Park

Expo ’76: Covers of dusties & one-hit wonders, June 26, Bent Park

Western Elstons: Western swing & honky-tonk, June 28, James Park

The O’My’s with The Loneliest Funk: Soul, hip-hop and blues, July 10, Twiggs Park

? and the Mysterians: Garage rock legends, July 12, James Park

Paul Green School of Rock: Kids cover classic rock, July 17, Harbert Park

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band: country blues, July 19, James Park

Alfonso Ponticelli & Swing Gitan: Gypsy jazz, July 24, Dawes Park

Andrew Williams & the Goldstars: Down & dirty R&B, July 26, Brummel Park

Ken Arlen’s Indigo: Contemporary dance hits, July 31, Dawes Park

Taj Weekes & Adowa: Reggae from St. Lucia, August 7, Dawes Park

South Boulevard with Impressions of MJ: Blues rock, August 9, Twiggs Park

Musikanto: Experimental folk troubadour, August 14, Dawes Park

Archie Powell & the Exports: Power pop, August 21, Dawes Park