Naper Nights Concert Series continues the history of rock Aug. 22-23
The "History of Rock" continues at the Naper Nights Concert Series from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 22-23 at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 children 4-12, members are free. For tickets and more information, visit www.napernights.org.
"Our concert series focuses on community, so we bring in local food and beverage vendors, including our beer provider, Two Brothers Brewing Company from Warrenville. Our food vendor for August is Naperville's Sullivan's Steakhouse," said Amanda Fehrenbacher, Naper Settlement special events coordinator. "Music lovers can set up blankets, tables, and chairs - the whole nine yards. It's a great way to engage the community and get them on the grounds for a night of fun and good company."
Chris Korsgard, co-chair of the Naper Nights committee, said, "A lot of people don't realize that rock and roll is deeply rooted in the blues music of the American South. When I looked out into the crowd at our shows this summer, I was amazed at the age diversity in the audience - in some cases, three generations of families enjoying music dating back to the early 1960s. It's important that this music heritage is passed on to our children and that they understand that rock music is so deeply rooted in our American culture. "
The magical musical journey continues when Beatles tribute band American English presents a retrospective of the Fab Four on Friday celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Beatles' appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964.
Eric Michaels, who portrays Paul McCartney, said The Beatles loved American music and were influenced by performers such as Little Richard, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Buddy Holly.
"The Beatles applied what they learned from American music to their songs and created an entirely new style of pop music - American English," Michaels said.
On Saturday night, Tumbling Dice performs a tribute to another superstar British band, The Rolling Stones. Mark Taylor, lead vocals/guitar for Tumbling Dice and an avid Stones fan, said the tribute band got its start in 2007.
"For an hour-and-a-half, we will throw out all the big hits that everyone knows and loves, plus sneak in a couple of deeper cuts," Taylor said. "It will be high energy and no one will walk away disappointed."
Chicagoland favorites Sixteen Candles will play the greatest hits of the '80s and '90s. These five fun-loving guys have a simple love of the music of years gone by and a mission to fuse nostalgia and style to create a sight-sound spectacular unlike any other. Their music includes Rick Springfield, Paul Simon, Huey Lewis and the News, The Cars and much more.
The Infiniti of Naperville children's area features Cosley Zoo, which will bring an educational display, biofacts and two live animals. Back by popular demand is the History of Rock Music Trivia Challenge where every attendee with a mobile device can team up with friends in a social-media-based competition to test their rock music knowledge. Nightly prizes will be awarded with a grand champion crowned on Saturday.