La Salle Business Association upcoming events

Rock the Block 2026 (September 18, 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Our Brand New Event, Rock the Block, debuts on Friday, September 18th, 2026! Free admission and free parking! Head down to First Street for the first night of this great two-day event! Wine tasting, craft beer, and cocktails in the beverage tent with delicious food vendors as well. Both events are family-friendly, but please, no pets. This event is rain or shine.

Band Lineup:

5:00-6:15PM and 7:30-8:00PM - Ben and Kate (Street band)

6:15pm - REO Survivor and Co. - Tribute to REO Speewagon, Loverboy, & Survivor (link)

Hot on the heels of their 2018 Summer Concert Tour, the five core band members of Chicago Rewired were sparked with the idea to start a secondary tribute act that was a hard-driving, fist pumping, rock and roll force. After a long brainstorming session, where numerous well-known artists were considered, drummer/bandleader Mike Graci asked a prominent industry agent what he had a need for in the roster of tribute acts he represented. His answer caught everyone by surprise, a hybrid tribute to the bands REO Speedwagon, Loverboy and Survivor. Hence, REO Survivor & Co. was born.

8:00pm - Chicago Rewired - The Premier Chicago Tribute Band (link)

In the summer of 2015, local Charlotte drummer Mike Graci had an idea: He wanted to break away from the run-of-the-mill cover music he heard being played around town so he worked to put together something special. He began diligently seeking out the musicians required to realize his vision. With all of the pieces in place, the group established themselves as Chicago Rewired – The Premier Chicago Tribute Band.

Chicago Rewired – The Premier Chicago Tribute Band is a tribute to “Chicago®” – one the longest running and most successful pop/rock groups in history with record sales topping 100,000,000 including 21 top 10 singles, 5 consecutive number one albums, 11 number one singles, and 5 gold singles. The band comprises a unique blend of talented and seasoned musicians joining forces with the common goal of accurately replicating the timeless music of “Chicago®” – the soundtrack to great memories for so many people.

Food Vendors: Haze Smokehouse, The Dog House, Big B BBQ, Mickey's Massive Burritos, 9th Street Pub, and La Salle VFW.

Drink Vendors: Domestic beer and seltzers, Signature Cocktails from Star Union Spirits, and Wine from August Hill Winery.

2026 BBQ-n-Blues Rib Cook-Off Event (September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Join us for the 12th Annual Rib Cook-off at BBQ-n-Blues! 1st Prize is $500 Cash, 2nd Prize is $300, 3rd Prize is $100, 4th Prize is $50, 5th Prize is $50.

Location: LaSalle State Bank Parking Lot, located at 654 First Street. Please enter through the city parking lot located at the intersection of First and Gooding Streets, near the fountain. Space is limited, so be prepared to drop off supplies and park elsewhere.
Setup begins no earlier than 7am. Any team that sets up prior to 7am will be disqualified.
Cooking sites will be assigned upon arrival – at 7am or after. Cooking sights are approximately 2 parking spaces, or 15x15
Meat inspection upon arrival at check-in.
Pork Back or Spare Ribs.
Only one entry per grill. Multiple entries are allowed per team but you must have multiple grills (i.e. one team of 4 people bring 2 grills and can enter 2 sets of 8+ ribs but must pay 2 x $30 entry fees, 3 grills=3 entries, etc.)
The entry platter container will be assigned mid-morning with each contestant’s own anonymous entry number.
Use of charcoal & wood(s) only, no propane grills. Pellet grills are allowed but generators will NOT be permitted and power sources are not available.
Ribs may be trimmed/”silver skin” removed prior to check-in but no pre-seasoning, marinating, or precooking allowed.
Use of sauce is not required, but NO pooling of “sauce on the side” will be allowed.
Turn-in time will be at 6:00 pm at the Judging area.
A “turn-in” of a minimum of Eight (8) or more bone-in, singulated pork ribs will be expected. Any judge served an entry without a bone will automatically be scored a “0” in all categories.
Entries will be scored on three categories: Taste, Tenderness, and Appearance, which will be weighted 2.25, 1.25, and .50, respectively. Scores for each category will range from 2 (inedible) up to 9 (excellent). The lowest judge’s score will be thrown out.
Winners will be announced at 8:00 p.m. on the stage.
The Entry Fee is $45.
Scores will be posted after the awards presentation.

BBQ-n-Blues 2026 (September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMT

The 12th Annual BBQ-n-Blues kicks off Saturday, September 19, 2026, with great tunes and the BBQ & a Rib Cook-Off Contest! Held on First Street between Marquette & Gooding in historic downtown La Salle, bands will begin at 4:30 pm, with the Rib Cook-Off turn in at 6:00 pm, and the winner announced on stage at 8:00 pm. Enjoy some of area’s best blues bands, and don’t forget to grab some fantastic food! Free admission and free parking on all city streets and lots. Fireworks at 10:00PM to finish out the weekend, courtesy of the City of La Salle!

Band Lineup:

4:30pm - Ivy Ford Band (link)

Ivy Ford - versatile, talented, an old soul. From singing the blues to being sultry, she is an indigo artist who's gift connects those who are around her and those who listen. Whether leading a full band or serenading a small audience solo on stage, Ivy Ford commands an energy that is most magical.

6:30pm - The Jimmys (link)

8:30pm - The Jimmy Nick Band (link)

Jimmy Nick is an old-fashioned, guitar slinging blues prodigy who spent his teenage years being schooled by legendary bluesmen in the famous Chicago clubs of Kingston Mines, Rosa’s Lounge, and B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted.

Over the last year Jimmy has recorded his first live album for a full house at The Raue Center for the Performing Arts, performed over 200 shows*, advanced to the semifinals at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, as well as headlined at Buddy Guy’s Legends, and B.L.U.E.S on Halstead. Most recently, he was featured on the WGN Morning News.

In addition, Jimmy has opened for the legendary Eddie Shaw, Bobby Rush, Toronzo Canon, Dick Dale, The Mike Wheeler Band and performed at SXSW. Jimmy has sold over 1,500 copies of his 3rd studio album –Rare Breed, which features Eddie Shaw performing with Jimmy on his original blues tune “Greedy Man”.

Jimmy Nick has also shared the stage with John Mayall, Ted Nugent,Samantha Fish, Pat Travers, Savoy Brown, Los Lonely Boys, Gov’t Mule, Kenny Wayne Shepard and more. Jimmy Nick & Don’t Tell Mama continue to be one of the most requested and hard working bands in the Chicagoland area.

Today Jimmy’s mission is to expose the next generation to the blues. Driven by his motown-tight band, Don’t Tell Mama, featuring saxophone, bass, and drums Jimmy excites crowds with his electrifying guitar work, fresh harp, clever lyrics and animated stage theatrics. His high energy blues and rock-n-roll captivate audiences, and forge instant fans.

Fireworks at 10:00PM, courtesy of the City of La Salle!

Food Vendors: Haze Smokehouse, The Dog House, Big B BBQ, Mickey's Massive Burritos, 9th Street Pub, and the La Salle VFW!

Drink Vendors: Domestic beer and seltzers, Signature Cocktails from Star Union Spirits, and Wine from August Hill Winery!