Naper Nights bring in tribute bands
This summer, music fans can hear the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel in concert at Naper Settlement.
Emphasis on "likes of."
The Naper Nights summer concert series brings in bands that pay tribute to some of the biggest names in music history to perform over six nights on the grounds of the history museum village. As the bands perform, they do their best to re-create the concert experience for fans of the groups they honor.
Performances begin Friday, June 16, as the Trippin' Billies, a Dave Matthews tribute band, headlines the opening night after a set by the Fortunate Sons, a Creedence Clearwater Revival cover band.
"All their equipment is period appropriate, down to the amplifiers," Adison Glick, the settlement's special events coordinator, said of The Fortunate Sons. "It has a distinct sound."
Many of the performers hit the stage looking, moving and sounding like the artists who inspired their work.
"We really like to hone in on the tribute bands," Glick said. "It definitely takes the concert experience one level up."
New to Naper Nights is Journeyman, an Eric Clapton cover band, and The Pettybreakers, a Tom Petty-like band, both set to play Friday, July 21.
Two new entries into the Naper Nights history books are slated for Saturday, July 22: The Chicago Experience, a tribute band that plays the band Chicago's hits, and Shining Star, an Earth, Wind and Fire cover band.
Synchronicity, a band that covers The Police, makes its Naper Nights debut performance Friday, Aug. 18. On Saturday, Aug. 19, a Billy Joel cover band called Simply Billy makes its Naper Nights debut.
Bruce in the USA, a Springsteen act, headlines Aug. 19.
"We're finishing the season with a bang with Bruce," Glick said.
Returning to Naper Nights will be Beatles tribute band American English on Saturday, June 17, preceded by a set from The Neverly Brothers and Landslide, a Fleetwood Mac-style band set to play Aug. 18.
June and August shows will open with performances by students from the School of Rock beginning about 5 p.m.
"It's a way to showcase the talent we have in this community," Glick said. "We're encouraging people to come out early and get a good seat on the lawn."
Glick said School of Rock performances at last year's Naper Nights prompted the students' expanded role this year. The school again will present its instrument petting zoo so visiting children can pick up and try instruments.
Concessions will include steak sandwiches and grilled chicken from Carrabba's in June; Sharko's BBQ in July; and several chicken dishes from Nando's in August.
California wines from Rodney Strong Vineyards will be available, along with lagers, ales and wheat beer from Kalamazoo-based Bell's Brewery.
Tip jar proceeds will benefit charities, each of which will have representatives on hand to help serve patrons, Glick said. In June, proceeds will go to the Independence Winter Color Guard. July proceeds will benefit Loaves and Fishes Community Services and August tip proceeds will go to the Naperville Junior Woman's Club.
The concerts are family-friendly, Glick said, with activities for kids that include painting craft projects, a hula hoop workshop and martial arts demonstrations.
"We hope to have something for everybody," he said.
Glick said a history of rock trivia contest carries a prize of a $100 gift card and a trip to Bell's brewery in Michigan.
Glick said doors open at 5 p.m. on each concert night. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
If you go
What: Naper Nights
Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, June 16 and 17, July 21 and 22, and Aug. 18 and 19
Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for ages 4 to 12, free for children 3 and younger
Info: (630) 420-6010 or napernights.org