GIBSON CITY, Ill. (Chambana Today) – As another Illinois summer winds down, Gibson City is once again tuning up for one of the biggest nights of the year. The Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services (GAHHS) Summer Bash returns on Saturday, August 16, marking five years of unforgettable music, community pride, and small-town celebration.
Foreigner will play the bash, which is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 16. The band, known for hits like “Hot Blooded”, “Cold as Ice” and “Feels Like the First Time”, has 10 multi-platinum albums. English rock singer John Waite will open for the band.
What started as a local concert has now become a regional phenomenon — a must-attend summer tradition drawing thousands to downtown Gibson City. And for Bill Kirby, who oversees Employee & Community Events at GAHHS, the purpose behind the party is simple: “We do this because our community deserves it,” said Kirby. “The Summer Bash is our way of saying thank you — not just to Gibson City, but to all the surrounding communities that support us, our hospital, and each other throughout the year.”
In past years, the event has showcased legendary acts like Warrant, Night Ranger, 38 Special, and Bret Michaels, with crowds growing dramatically year after year:
- 2021 – Warrant: 1,500 attendees
- 2022 – Night Ranger: 3,000+ despite rain just before showtime
- 2023 – 38 Special: 6,000 fans packed downtown
- 2024 – Bret Michaels: 7,500+ fans in just two blocks
“It’s been incredible to watch this event grow,” Kirby said. “From 1,500 people our first year to over 7,000 last year — and every year, the energy and the excitement just keep getting bigger.”
The success of the Bash isn’t just measured by attendance numbers. It’s also about accessibility and affordability. Thanks to the generosity of local sponsors — including One Earth Energy, Heartland Bank and Trust Company, Chandler Concrete and Excavation, The Cadillac, Grandstand Concerts, and Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services — ticket prices remain affordable for families, teens, and music lovers of all ages. “Without our sponsors and partners, none of this would happen,” Kirby emphasized. “They step up every year to make sure we can keep this event open, accessible, and fun for everyone.”
Concertgoers can pay for “Party Pit” access – which means you’re right up against the stage for only $60/person.
Held in downtown Gibson City, the Summer Bash has become more than a concert — it’s a celebration of community spirit, offering one last summer memory before the school year kicks in.
“This is the perfect way to end summer — outdoors, surrounded by friends, great music, and hometown pride,” said Kirby. “We want people to come out, have fun, and leave already looking forward to next year.”
