Does free sound good? Rock the Amp concert series kicks off with 2 free performances

Janice Phelan
·3 min read

Lee’s Summit Parks & Recreation’s annual Rock the Amp series returns this month, combining live outdoor performances with summer evenings in the park. The concerts, held at the Legacy Park Amphitheater, began in 2017 with the opening of the outdoor performance venue.

This year’s lineup features a variety of music, including blues, reggae, country and rock. Concerts begin Saturday and wrap up in mid September.

“Outdoor concerts give the community the opportunity to enjoy music in a shared space, which fosters community spirit,” said Joe Snook, Lee’s Summit Parks & Recreation administrator. “Our Legacy Park Amphitheater concerts provide a platform for local musicians and artists to showcase their talents to a broad audience.”

In addition, the concerts help support Lee’s Summit’s cultural community while encouraging the development of new talent, Snook said. Shows appeal to all ages.

Rock the Amp kicks off with two free concerts: the Blues Fest on June 10 and the Jamaican Jam on July 14. Gates open at 6 p.m. for all Rock the Amp summer concerts, with performances beginning at 7 p.m.

The Jamaican Jam, coming July 14, is the second in a series of free concerts at Lee’s Summit Parks & Recreation’s annual Rock the Amp.
The Jamaican Jam, coming July 14, is the second in a series of free concerts at Lee’s Summit Parks & Recreation’s annual Rock the Amp.

The Blues Fest features Jason Vivone, Nick Schnebelen as well as Orphan Jon and the Abandoned. This concert is supported by the Missouri Arts Council.

Jamaican Jam returns to the Lee’s Summit amphitheater this summer with Jah Lion and AZ-One, both based in Kansas City. Jah Lion, a reggae band, performs roots and conscious covers and original music. AZ-One is known for performing uplifting and inspirational music.

The Queens of Country, highlighting three female vocalists, is scheduled for July 28, with advance tickets at $15. The concert features covers of such well-known stars as Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Patsy Cline, Miranda Lambert, Faith Hill, Linda Ronstadt, Loretta Lynn and Gretchen Wilson.

The Phil Collins Experience will be presented Aug. 4, also with advance tickets for $15. This tribute band features British-born Terry Adams Jr. and a 12-piece band, complete with a horn section and backup singers.

Hotel California will re-create the music of the Eagles at an Aug. 18 concert with advance tickets priced at $25. Performing together since 1986, this group is recognized as a top Eagles tribute band.

The Rock the Amp series concludes on Sept. 16 with Revelation, a Journey tribute group. Based in California, Revelation has performed on some of the largest stages in the Kansas City area. Advance tickets are $15.

Selection of the summer concert performers involves several steps, Snook said, with feedback and suggestions collected from both the community and concert promoters.

“The (Parks and Recreation) staff devotes a considerable amount of time to researching musicians and also solicits feedback from other venues,” he said, adding that the community’s response to the concerts has been overwhelmingly positive.

“If you have never attended one of our concerts, look at our schedule for 2023,” he added. “Our Legacy Park Amphitheater concerts are an excellent value for the admission fee. The venue is spacious, readily accessible from the Kansas City metro, and has convenient parking.”

Legacy Park Amphitheatre offers general admission lawn seating, and attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs. Both food and beverage vendors are available at each concert with the amphitheater’s capacity at approximately 2,500.

For more information about the Legacy Park concerts or to purchase advance tickets, visit this webpage.