Naper Nights lineup honors icons of music history

If you were a pessimist, you could look at the last year or so and declare it the end of a musical era as fans have been shaken by the deaths and announced retirements of several industry icons.

But the Naper Nights Community Concert Series at Naper Settlement might be just the thing to turn you into an optimist who knows we'll always have the music of the rockers, guitar heroes, wordsmiths and pianomen we love.

"The 2018 Naper Nights lineup has recently taken on new emotional significance due to recent losses and events in the music industry, such as the passing of Tom Petty, the loss of Allman Brothers Band members Greg Allman and Butch Trucks, and the retirement announcements of both Paul Simon and Elton John," said Adison Glick, Naper Settlement's special events coordinator. "Naper Settlement plans to honor these artists and many more through a summerlong celebration of their lives, music and passion."

Over six nights in June, July and August, the concert series will bring in regional acts that pay tribute to some of the biggest names in rock 'n' roll history. In June, The PettyBreakers will celebrate the music of Tom Petty and Old Shoe featuring Lowdown Brass Band will pay tribute to Paul Simon. Simply Elton honors Elton John in July, and Rose Hill Revival performs Allman Brothers music in August.

Naper Nights concerts are 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, June 15 and 16, July 20 and 21 and Aug. 17 and 18, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for ages 4 to 12, free for members and children younger than 4. Tickets are available online at napernights.org.

Here's a look at the 2018 Naper Nights lineup:

• June 15: Wall of Denial (Stevie Ray Vaughn tribute), 6:30 p.m.; The PettyBreakers (Tom Petty tribute), 8 p.m.

• June 16: Tom Thumb's Band (Bob Dylan tribute), 6 p.m.; Old Shoe featuring Lowdown Brass Band (Paul Simon tribute), 7:45 p.m.

• July 20: The Fortunate Sons (CCR tribute), 6 p.m.; Turn the Page (Bob Seger tribute), 8 p.m.

• July 21: Simply Elton with The Brown Dirt Cowboys (Elton John tribute), 6 p.m.; Natural Wonder (Stevie Wonder tribute), 7:45 p.m.

• Aug. 17: Rose Hill Revival (Allman Brothers Band tribute), 6 p.m.; Chicken Fried (Zac Brown Band tribute), 8 p.m.

• Aug. 18: Planet Groove (60s to Today), 6 p.m.; Bluffett (Jimmy Buffett tribute), 8 p.m.

School of Rock's local musicians will perform from 5 to 5:45 p.m. at the June and August Naper Nights concerts.

This summer will feature beverage sponsors Bell's Brewery and Rodney Strong Vineyards. Naper Nights also will be teaming up with six nonprofit community partners and proceeds from the tip jars at the beverage tent will benefit the charitable organizations. No outside food or beverages are permitted.

Naper Nights' children's activities and food vendors will be announced this spring.