‘Jamming music’ coming to Fox River festival
“A lot of really great jamming music.”
That’s what Paramount Theatre Executive Director Tim Rater says southern rock and country fans can expect from the final installment of this summer’s Downtown Alive! festival series.
And why expect anything less from a fest called Jam on the Fox?
The one-day music event brings four acts to the western shore of the Fox River for a $5 entrance fee, and Rater said he expects fans to be lined up ready to go when the festival opens at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18.
Some may be equipped with blankets and lawn chairs, ready to claim their spot for The Charlie Daniels Band’s headlining performance at 8:30 p.m. Rater said he’s heard more excitement for Daniels than for other performers the Paramount has brought to this summer’s festivals.
“He’s just one of those bands that brings out avid fans,” Rater said. “You see his show, and you want to come back because it’s such a great show.”
Others may be just as enthused by a full day of music, food and beverages. Two local groups, cover band Red Woody and southern/country rockers Heartsfield, open for The Georgia Satellites before Daniels takes the stage.
“It’s more Southern rock than it is country,” Rater said about the festival’s lineup. “These are all crossover groups.”
Here’s a taste of the bands who will be playing for audiences at North River Street Park, New York and River streets, beginning with the headliner and continuing through the first opening act:
Ÿ The Charlie Daniels Band, playing at 8:30 p.m.
With his signature “bull rider” hat and belt buckle, and his rock, country, bluegrass, blues and gospel music, Charlie Daniels is part Western and part Southern, says his biography on his website.
The North Carolina native has recorded songs such as “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” “In America,” and “Uneasy Rider” and will bring his Grammy-winning performance to the Chicago area for the second time this summer when he takes the Jam on the Fox stage.
Ÿ The Georgia Satellites, playing at 6:30 p.m.
The Atlanta-based group describes itself as “one of the most ferocious bands of the ’80s,” playing three-chord rock ’n’ roll with a Southern tinge.
Ÿ Heartsfield, playing at 4:30 p.m.
“At any performance, Heartsfield shows are full of fun, up-tempo, foot-stopmin’ music that gets the crowd involved,” the band’s website says.
Ÿ Red Woody, playing at 2:30 p.m.
A cover band that’s sought to redefine cover bands since forming in 1999, Red Woody plays “songs people want to hear” and creates a party atmosphere, according to its website. “Red Woody’s philosophy? There are great songs from every decade — why not play them?”
If you go
What: Jam on the Fox
When: 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18; doors open at 1:30 p.m.
Where: North River Street Park, New York and River streets, downtown Aurora
Details: Performers are Charlie Daniels Band, Georgia Satellites, Heartsfield and Red Woody
Cost: $5 cash only, free for kids ages 12 and younger
Info: downtownaliveaurora.com or (630) 896-6666