Sinnissippi Music Shell

Dedicated in 1950, the Music Shell in Sinnissippi Park is an acoustic amphitheater that can accommodate as many as 700 on benches, and up to 3,000 on the terraces and lawn. A favorite spot of many local congregations and arts organizations, the Music Shell hosts a wide variety of events throughout the season.

History

The construction of the Music Shell was first promoted by the Rockford Civic Symphony Orchestra, which sponsored a two-day music festival in August 1948 to launch the project. The Lions Club coordinated many donations made to the project by local organizations, and underwrote additional construction costs of $4,000–$6,000.

The Music Shell was designed by A. Reyner Eastman, who contributed the plans and his time to supervise the construction. Eastman is also responsible for a number of other area landmarks, including the Mendelssohn Club, the YMCA Log Lodge, Henrietta and Westview schools, Spring Creek Congregational Church, and Rockford Clinic. He also was the designer of a bridge spanning the Rock River at Black Hawk Park, the first modern-type bridge in the state of Illinois.

The Music Shell was officially presented to the City of Rockford and the Rockford Park District on June 4, 1950 by Dawn A. Smith, president of the Rockford Noon Lions Club, "for the enjoyment and satisfaction of music lovers in Rockford and vicinity."

Programming

The Music Shell is best known as the home of the Music in the Park Summer Concert Series, since 1970.

Rentals

The Music Shell may also be rented. Reservations may be made up to one year prior to the date of the event. To reserve the music shell and obtain a rental permit, please contact Community and Recreation Services at 815-969-6037 or fill out the online form at the link below.