DeWyze, new club a hit with suburban fans
One thing was obvious at the Viper Alley music club on Thursday: When you open a new night life spot in the suburbs, it’s a good idea to book the suburbs’ reigning musical hero.
The contest winners admitted to the Lincolnshire club’s special opening event Thursday clapped and screamed when Lee DeWyze took the stage. DeWyze, a Mount Prospect native, rose to national prominence after winning “American Idol” last year.
DeWyze kicked off his set with “Earth Stood Still,” then talked about how it felt to be performing for hometown fans.
“This feels real good,” he said. “I haven’t been home for awhile. I love you all.”
Cue more screaming.
Viper Alley is located in the CityPark development at Milwaukee Avenue and Aptakisic Road in Lincolnshire. The 15,000-square-foot venue includes a bowling lounge, food and drink service and a music room that operators say delivers pristine acoustics.
Thursday’s concert — Rusted Root leader Michael Glabicki opened for DeWyze — was attended only by fans who won tickets in contests run by the club and Fresh 105.9 FM. Local band 7th Heaven will perform Friday, March 11, in the first concert open to the general public. Upcoming scheduled shows include Soul Asylum, Herb Alpert and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
“There’s really nothing like it in this area,” said Viper Alley Chief Operating Officer Lou Carrier. “We’re so excited to be opening this. I think the people who live and work in this area will love it.”
DeWyze met with a select group of fans and gave the bowling lanes a whirl before going onstage. In an interview before his set, DeWyze said getting a chance to meet fans in person is still a thrill for him.
“They’re the ones who made all this happen,” he said.
DeWyze said he’s been following the current season of “American Idol,” and is cheering for Wheeling native Haley Reinhart, who survived an elimination round Thursday.
“Though I think the current group has it a little easier without (former judge) Simon Cowell there,” he said with a smile.
Fans at the show said they enjoyed the chance to see DeWyze in a new venue close to home.
“It’s great to have a place like this so close, a small, hip spot you don’t have to go to the city for,” Sherry Chrichton of Buffalo Grove said.