Two country acts join Naperville Ribfest celebration
A pair of country music acts, Casey James and Love and Theft, will perform July 4 during the Naperville Exchange Club's Ribfest celebration at Knoch Park near downtown Naperville.
James first emerged on the national scene with his third-place finish during Season 9 of “American Idol.” His wide-ranging influences include such artists as Merle Haggard, Vince Gill, ZZ Top and Bonnie Raitt.
Following his success on Idol, he set his sights on Nashville, touring with Sugarland in early 2011 and playing his own shows while working on his debut album, which was released in 2012. His first single, “Let's Don't Call It a Night,” was cowritten with Terry McBride and Brice Long.
Country duo Love and Theft — also known as Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson — recently released their second studio album, but their first since joining RCA.
Other headliners already announced for this year's Ribfest are Styx on July 3, Rick Springfield on July 6 and Lynyrd Skynyrd on July 7. Additional bands are still to be announced.
Ribfest will be held July 3 through 7 in Knoch Park. It features family activities throughout the event, rib vendors from across the country and music. All proceeds go to support the elimination of child abuse and domestic violence.
Tickets will go on sale in the spring at www.ribfest.net.