Naper Nights takes music fans through rock history
Naper Settlement showcases local history every day, but for six nights this summer its focus will shift to the history of rock 'n' roll.
Naper Nights Community Concert Series, running two nights a month in June, July and August, will feature a lineup including Bruce in the USA, The Neverly Brothers and American English covering Bruce Springsteen, the early days of rock and the Beatles.
The concert series will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights, June 16 and 17, July 21 and 22 and Aug. 18 and 19, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Tickets will be available beginning Monday, March 20.
Admission is $15 adults, $10 ages 4 to 12, and free for younger children and members. No outside food or beverages are permitted. For information, visit napernights.org.
"Naper Nights over the years has definitely become a celebrated Naperville tradition, but I'm very excited to see the event grow in new ways this year," said Naper Settlement's special events coordinator Adison Glick.
"By bringing nationally recognized tribute acts like The Pettybreakers and Bruce in the USA, giving kids from School of Rock a chance to shine in the spotlight, and partnering with local nonprofits to help support the community, Naper Nights is stretching out to new territory that is sure to have everyone dancing."
The first night will open with Fortunate Sons, a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band, at 6 p.m. Friday, June 16. The band is known for using original vintage instruments and spot-on musical ability to create a full experience of CCR's best songs.
Fortunate Sons will be followed at 8 p.m. by Trippin Billies, a Dave Matthews tribute band that has been touring the Midwest for more than 20 years.
Concert goers can enjoy the explosive beginning of rock 'n' roll on Saturday, June 17, when the Neverly Brothers will perform music ranging from Elvis to the Beatles at 6 p.m. They will be followed by the evening's headliner, a Naper Nights favorite, American English, at 7:30 p.m.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album, American English will perform the album in full, along with some Paul McCartney and George Harrison solo songs.
July will be jam-packed with bands that have never before performed at Naper Nights. Beginning on Friday, July 21, Eric Clapton tribute band the Journeyman takes the stage at 6 p.m. After, the Pettybreakers, a nationally touring tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, performs at 8 p.m.
Ozzie Mancinelli, who performs as Tom Steady, says that although the music may appear simple at times to the casual listener, it can be very complicated to reproduce, and the Pettybreakers love to re-create it.
"For people who have seen Tom Petty live, they can expect a pretty accurate reproduction of a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers show. Petty has a way of touching your soul with his lyrics," Mancinelli said.
"We're very excited to come to Naperville. It's going be a fun show for Petty fans and Clapton fans."
Visitors will groove to a fun-filled evening Saturday, July 22. Kicking the night off will be The Chicago Experience, which will pay tribute to the legendary band Chicago beginning at 6 p.m. After, Shining Star re-creates the magic of Earth, Wind and Fire beginning at 8 p.m.
The August concerts bring music from the '70s and '80s as Police tribute band Synchronicity takes the stage at 6:30 p.m., followed at 8:30 p.m. by Landslide, a tribute to Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer band Fleetwood Mac.
The last night of the series on Saturday, Aug. 19, showcases the music of Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel. Simply Billy opens the performance at 6 p.m. with a tribute to Billy Joel's songwriting, vocals and talent on piano.
Bruce in the USA closes the night and the series with an 8 p.m. performance that promises an accurate recreation of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
Matt Ryan, who has performed as "The Boss" for 14 years, is excited to bring the band to Naper Nights.
"It's all about happiness and love and connections when you're playing for Bruce Springsteen fans," Ryan said. "There are some incredible fans in the Chicago area, so we're very excited to come to Naperville."
Concert goers are encouraged to show up early to catch performances from School of Rock's local musicians as they welcome guests to Naper Nights each evening.
Details regarding Naper Night's Children's Activity Tent and food vendors will be announced later this spring. Beverages will be provided by Bell's Brewery and Rodney Strong Vineyards.