Foxy-The Rock and Country Concert comes to Arcada

Whether your taste runs to the music of Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Coldplay or Carlos Santana, Foxy - The Rock and Country Concert, presented by Country Financial, on Sunday, April 26 at 4 p.m. will rock your world.

With a flashy horn section, lithe dancers and a great lineup of singers and instrumentalists, Foxy promises to be an afternoon of rocking music for every taste at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles.

According to Director Tom Atkinson, "Foxy" was conceived as a family-friendly variety show that will appeal to all ages with songs hot off the charts, like "Somethin' Bad" by Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood as well as classics like "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole or "Your Mama Don't Dance."

"Our concept was to showcase the best of all the popular musical styles, because, like Duke Ellington said, 'There are really only two kinds of music … good music and that other kind!' "

"Besides, a lot of people don't listen to the same kind of music all day long … They like to mix it up."

An added benefit of attending "Foxy" is that the proceeds will help meet recreation needs of children and adults with disabilities through the Fox Valley Special Recreation Foundation. It is a local charity that provides funds to Fox Valley Special Recreation Association, which offers year-round recreation programming throughout their member park districts - St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Fox Valley, Oswegoland, Sugar Grove as well as South Elgin Parks and Recreation Department.

"Like many people in our community, I have a child with disabilities," says Atkinson. "But because of FVSRA and their special counselors, my 25-year-old daughter Kari attends park district summer camp where she has the opportunity for socialization and recreation."

"Our concert will generate scholarship money for needy families who cannot afford to cover the full costs of the programs," says Atkinson.

Atkinson, a financial planner with Country Financial and a part-time musician, came up with the idea for Foxy after hosting a music party at his Aurora home where, after passing the hat, he was amazed to find he had raised over $1,000 for charity.

"It occurred to me that if I could raise that kind of money on a Sunday afternoon in my basement, I could, by scaling it up, raise some serious money for FVSRA so others could enjoy the programs Kari enjoyed so much.

"Also, as we started putting the show together, I came to realize that the parents and caregivers of people with disabilities should be recognized and honored for their sacrifices. So another purpose of our show is to give back a little by entertaining those who give so much to nurture and protect those with disabilities."

"We look forward to enjoying the talents of these fine musicians as well as one of FVSRA's own performers, Mr. Sean Thompson, at the April 26 Foxy, Rock and Country Concert!," says Carolyn Nagle, FVSRA Executive Director.

"What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon enjoying great music and raising funds for the Fox Valley Special Recreation Foundation. We are thrilled that Tom Atkinson has created this opportunity and most appreciative to Country Financial for their sponsorship."

"We are excited to offer this event in support of individuals with special needs and their families," says Lauren Freebern, representing Country Financial and her agency. "We understand the specific financial security considerations of these families and appreciate our ability to serve the entire community in which we work and live."

So, from a basement to the stage of the Arcada Theater, Foxy has arrived. Tickets are available online at FVSRFoundation.org or oshows.com.