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Original Chicago drummer to headline St. Viator concert with tribute band

How often does an original band member pay tribute to his tribute band?

St. Viator High School presents a rare opportunity to hear the founding drummer of the band Chicago perform with one of its top cover bands. He joins 25 or 6 to 4 during a benefit concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 1, at the school, 1213 E. Oakton St., Arlington Heights.

Danny Seraphine performed on all of the band’s albums until 1990. He also cowrote some of its hits, including “Take Me Home to Chicago” and “Lowdown.”

Seraphine propelled Chicago to success and influenced a generation of drummers. Now he brings his innovative drumming style to St. Viator’s auditorium.

The “Chicago Experience” concert opens at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception in the school’s Boler Center. Music will be provided by members of St. Viator’s jazz band. Audience members will move to the auditorium, which has been renovated with funds from last year’s benefit concert. It has new sound panels and lighting.

When 25 or 6 to 4 takes the stage, they will feature nearly a dozen professional musicians. They bring all the same brass and percussion instruments — including trombone, trumpet, fluegelhorn, and alto, bass and tenor saxophone — that fueled Chicago’s rise to fame.

“The band’s dramatic rise in popularity is a result of matching talent at each position with the individual charisma and personalities featured in the original Chicago,” says Nick Krengiel, band manager and alto saxophone player in the group.

25 or 6 to 4 has played some of Chicago’s biggest venues and suburban clubs, including at the United Center at Chicago Bulls’ games. They have opened for the likes of the Cryan’ Shames, the Buckinghams, Smokey Robinson, the Temptations and Dennis DeYoung.

“We try and capture the incredible sound, emotion and the energy of the legendary band Chicago,” Krengiel said.

As a special guest, the concert also will feature Dennis Tufano, the original voice of the Buckinghams. His vocals were on all the Buckinghams’ hits, including “Kind of a Drag,” “Susan,” and “Don’t You Care.”

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the fine arts at St. Viator, including the second phase of the auditorium renovation, and scholarship assistance.

To purchase tickets, visit: www.saintviator.com/ns/parent/specialevent.asp.

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