Five free concerts are coming to the Opera House Plaza in downtown Canton this summer — and the lineup includes Taylor Swift and Garth Brooks tribute acts, a Van Halen experience, a Fleetwood Mac tribute, and a three-time Grammy-nominated group from Nashville.
Jennie Grove and Alesia Shaw, board members of the Canton History & Arts Alliance, joined Galesburg In Focus with Chris Postin to preview the Live at the Plaza summer concert series and talk about everything happening at the new Opera House Plaza. Listen to the full interview above.
Live at the Plaza — 2026 concert schedule:
May 22 — Almost Taylor (Taylor Swift tribute). Meet-and-greet and bracelet-making station at 6:30 p.m. Showtime 7:30 p.m.
July — Ultimate Gar (Garth Brooks tribute). Country theme with barbecue food trucks.
August — Jump (Van Halen tribute). High-energy 80s hair band experience.
September 4 — Rumors (Fleetwood Mac tribute).
September 26 — 615 Collective (Nashville country). Three-time Grammy-nominated group, with special guest Low Profile.
All concerts are free. Plaza doors open at 6:30 p.m. Food trucks open at 6 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket.
Coming up Saturday — Swing into Spring: Celebrating a Painted Legacy
Saturday, May 2, 6 p.m. at the Opera House Plaza, 45 Eastside Square, Canton. The Canton History & Arts Alliance hosts a community mural event honoring the Orendorff family, whose ancestors were the precursors to International Harvester and major contributors to Canton’s history. Everyone is welcome to add a brushstroke to the community mural. The Mayor will present the Orendorff family with a Key to the City. Live jazz by Rooftop Big Band.
Topics covered in this interview:
- The Live at the Plaza free summer concert series — acts, dates, and what to expect at each show
- The history of the Opera House Plaza — built on the site of a 2016 gas explosion that rocked downtown Canton
- How the Canton Bicentennial celebration led to the formation of the Alliance
- The three pillars of the Alliance: arts, history, and beautification
- Picnic at the Plaza — second Friday of each month, June through September, noon to 1 p.m.
- Saturday Story Time — every other Saturday starting May 30, 10 a.m., with tractors, police cars, fire trucks, and alpacas
- History and educational performances — fourth Thursday of each month, June through September, 6-8 p.m.
- Community murals, including the Orendorff family mural starting May 2
- How to get involved, sponsor events, or rent the plaza
For more information, follow the Canton History & Arts Alliance on Facebook or visit CantonHAA.com. To inquire about sponsorships, email cantonhistoryartsalliance@gmail.com.