'American Idol' singer from West Chester to give hometown concert

West Chester Twp.’s outdoor summer concert series will feature more than good music and beer from hometown craft breweries this summer. Each of this year’s 13 Thursday night concerts will also include unique, local experiences based around a theme. From professional soccer and doughnuts to puppies and golf, the themes will have something for everyone to enjoy at The Square @ Union Centre, 9285 Centre Pointe Drive.

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The admission-free events kick off June 7 with The Good Hooks and special guests from the Butler County Visitors Bureau’s world famous Donut Trail. The month of June also features an autograph-signing night with professional soccer players from FC Cincinnati, and the Community with Heart Takeover, where guests are encouraged to donate non-perishable canned goods to Reach Out Lakota.

Handcrafted local microbrews will be available at 10 of 13 nights throughout the summer thanks to a partnership with both of West Chester Twp.’s hometown craft breweries — DogBerry Brewing and Grainworks Brewing Company. Beer is available every week, but on the last Thursday of each month Ohio wine producers will also be featured.

The July 5 concert will feature West Chester Twp. native and 2013 Lakota West graduate Eric Ellis, who starred in the most recent season of ABC’s “American Idol,” making it through to Hollywood.

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Other highlights this summer include July 19, when the Reds Rover caravan rolls into West Chester Twp. during the professional baseball All-Star break.

And come celebrate Food Truck Rally Eve on Aug. 9 with a preview of West Chester Twp.’s marquee foodie event and get your rock on with cover band DV8.

Returning bands include favorites like The Naked Karate Girls, 3 Piece Revival, and Lt. Dan’s New Legs.

New this summer, The Takeover offers original music by Indie label artists Matt Waters and Green Light Morning as well as Root Cellar Xtract of Ruh Roh Records.

All concerts are from 6 to 9 p.m. and feature at least two food options and one dessert food truck. Ohio Eagle Distributors of West Chester Twp. provides beer all 13 nights. Sales of alcohol benefit hosting non-profits including American Legion Post 681, the Rotary Club of West Chester/Liberty, and Union Centre Boulevard Merchants Association.

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2018 TAKEOVER PERFORMERS AND THEMES

June 7: The Good Hooks; Donut Trail Takeover

June 14: Swagg; Fútbol Takeover

June 21: The Naked Karate Girls; Community with Heart Takeover

June 28: Root Cellar Xtract; Ohio Wine Takeover

July 5: 'American Idol' contestant Eric Ellis and Friends; Hollywood Takeover

July 12: 3 Piece Revival; Tee-It-Up Takeover

July 19: Buzz Bin; Take Me Out to The Takeover

July 26: 2nd Wind; Ohio Wine Takeover

Aug. 2: Lt. Dan's New Legs; Tail Waggin' Takeover

Aug. 9: DV8; Food Truck Rally Eve