Rockin' headliners

Last year's main stage lineup hit at snag at Schaumburg's Septemberfest: it rained.

For the first time in the festival's 36-year history, one of its featured acts -- singer Christopher Cross -- was rained out.

"We didn't want people out there in the rain and lightning," says Roxanne Benvenuti, Schaumburg's special events coordinator.

What village officials did want, however, was to bring Cross back, which they were able to do. He will perform at 7:30 p.m. Labor Day, the same time and day as last year.

All of Septemberfest's main stage concerts take place on the Bud Light Music Stage, which is across the bridge from the rest of the festival on prairie fields mowed specifically for the concert series. Fans can set up blankets and chairs as lawn seats, or take in the sculpture walk located adjacent to the venue.

However, live music plays all three days during Septemberfest on the Daily Herald Stage, which is the first stage most visible when entering the festival. From park district dance performances to Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54 bands and orchestras, this venue offers plenty of talented acts.

As evening approaches, the Daily Herald Stage also offers top flight bands, including the 5-piece Chicago band Synod from 5:30 to 6:30 Saturday, the Neverly Brothers from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday and the Bon Jovi tribute band Bad Medicine from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Over on the main stage, the appearance of Cross is highly anticipated. His familiar repertoire of top 40 hits include "Sailing," "Ride Like the Wind" and "Never Be The Same," all recorded at the beginning of his career in 1980.

His biggest hit came on the big screen when Cross recorded "Arthur's Theme" for the film "Arthur," which went onto reach No. 1 on the Billboard charts and an Oscar for Best Song in 1981.

The acoustic pop/rock band Chasing The Day opens for Cross, playing the main stage from 5 to 6:15 p.m.

Kicking off the festival at 8:30 p.m. Saturday is Pat Benatar, the four-time Grammy Award winning rock singer, appearing with her lead guitarist -- and husband -- Neil Giraldo.

"We've tried to secure her for years, but she only tours during the summer and not in the fall," Benvenuti said. "This year we finally were able to get her, but it's her last concert this year."

Opening for Benatar is rock singer Lennon Murphy, who performs from 7:15 to 8 p.m. on the main stage.

At 8:30 p.m. Sunday, singer John Waite takes the stage with hits that span his career with The Babys and Bad English, as well as his solo career. His hits include "Missing You" and "Tears."

"We're thrilled to get him," Benvenuti said. "He has so many hits."

Opening for Waite is the alternative band 7th Heaven, which plays on the Bud Light Music stage from 6 to 7:15 p.m.