EAST TROY — In a community where folks are accustomed to outdoor summer rock concerts, what a long, strange trip it has been.

After 40 years of sun-drenched performances by the likes of Jimmy Buffett and the Grateful Dead, Alpine Valley Music Theatre is wrapping up a peculiar summer in the dark.

“It is a strange summer,” East Troy Village President Scott Seager said.

Unable to land any major performers, Alpine Valley closed down for the first time ever, leaving East Troy without the excitement and tourism that come from having 25,000 music fans descend on your town.

But the crowds could be back next summer.

Alpine Valley officials are offering assurances that they are working hard to bring the concerts back in 2018. Fans, however, may see some unfamiliar faces taking the stage.

Jon Reens, vice president of Live Nation Entertainment, which owns the music venue, said the lineup for Alpine Valley’s revival in 2018 is likely to include some well-known performers and some newcomers.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a mix,” Reens said.