Enjoy outdoor concerts at 'Live and Uncorked' in Aurora
When it comes to the best of the best, outdoor concerts are at the top of the list - warm summer nights groovin' in the cool twilight. You don't just hear the music … you see it and feel it.
Blackberry Farm is going to make that experience even better during its summer concert series - "Live and Uncorked."
Live and Uncorked is the West suburban version of a Ravinia experience. Concertgoers basically bring a party to the party.
Around the stage, it's a festival with lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, food, drinks and - yes - adult beverages. It's a BYOB event (21 and older, of course). So bring a bottle of wine, pack a few craft beers or assemble a mix of mixers. Better yet, go full style with a picnic basket with glasses, mugs and appetizers.
It's just $5 admission for two hours of live music outdoors amid the classic backdrop of Blackberry Farm. You can't even get a cup of coffee at Starbucks for that price!
Each show is from 7 to 9 p.m., but doors open at 6 so you can get in early, find a place to set up and start your preconcert picnic.
June 22: HiFi Superstar
Remember when you were a kid and you got your first radio? You took a musical journey as you discovered all the music at your fingertips. That's what a HiFi Superstar show is like.
With their well-constructed medleys that include your favorite dance and party rock songs spanning from the '70s through today, this Billboard and MTV award-winning band combines great party dance rock covers with a sprinkle of fresh originals.
June 29: Libido Funk Circus
Originally formed as an over-the-top tribute to the disco music of the '70s, Libido Funk Circus has been entertaining a wide range of audiences since its inception in 1996.
While they continue to play popular disco hits, the addition of hundreds of dance and rock songs - spanning from the '60s through today - has turned LFC into a human jukebox. From the hits of the good, old Motown days to the bass-thumping beats of today's dance music - and the always danceable disco grooves to the new wave rock of the '80s - LFC has it "covered."
July 6: Piano Man
Do you remember when rock was young? Piano Man is the premier tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel. Mike Sigman brings the music of these two legends to life in a dynamic, Las Vegas-type show full of all the glitz and glamour of the original artists.
With a lineup of versatile musicians and his uncanny ability to mimic the voices of these two mega superstars, Piano Man is one of the most solid and authentic tribute bands in the country. Every song is a hit, guaranteeing audience participation, singing, dancing and general merriment.
July 13: Jamie Campbell & The Redneck Romeos
Dynamic. Fierce. Wildly entertaining. Charmingly charismatic. These buzz words are consistently used to describe this 6-piece country-rock powerhouse. Formed in 2011, this award-winning group has quickly rocketed to the top in Nashville and throughout the Midwest.
The band's original music has an edgy flare, but stays consistently country, covering music from Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Randy Houser, Toby Keith, Trace Atkins and more.
July 20: Semple
An entertaining combination of musicianship and high energy stage performance, Semple features one of Chicagoland's prominent lead singers - and the band's namesake - Keith Semple.
With styles ranging from '70s rock to modern pop songs and everything in between, audiences always leave happy. Known for their diverse array of medleys that feature bands such as The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, party songs and even alternative/punk rock, each show is packed with variety and contrast that takes a generational tour of music genres.
Aug. 3: Live & Uncorked: Trivia Edition
Bring your friends for an evening of trivia fun - and compete to win fun prizes.
• Jeff Long (jlong@fvpd.net) is the public affairs and communications manager for the Fox Valley Park District.