Naper Nights concerts feature new acts in July
The Naper Nights music festival will tout a new look when it returns this month to Naper Settlement by featuring bands that have never before performed as part of the concert series.
The concerts will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 21 and 22, at the settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville.
The first night will open with a cover band that has been making waves in the tribute scene - Journeyman, a tribute to Eric Clapton. The performance will include hits from Clapton's work with Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominos, and his solo work.
"Eric Clapton has been the biggest influence on me musically," Journeyman founder Shaun Hague said. "Seven years ago, I decided to try performing as (Clapton) one night to see how the crowd would react.
"Their reaction was great, and I realized this was something I wanted to pursue."
Following Journeyman will be the nation's premier tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the Pettybreakers.
Lead performer Ozzie Mancinelli said years ago he had been performing in a Rolling Stones cover band, and a Tom Petty tribute had opened for them. He thought their loose adaptations were good, but he felt there was room for a more authentic production.
"The songs, primarily, were the inspiration," said Mancinelli about why he decided to cover Tom Petty.
"The music, as simple as it might appear to the casual listener, is actually a bit of a challenge to reproduce. It's really a fun project. Visitors can definitely expect to hear all the hits, plus a deeper cut or two."
Beginning the night on July 22 will be The Chicago Experience, a tribute to the legendary band Chicago.
Inviting guests to relive the memories that captured listeners' hearts, The Chicago Experience will play early hits such as "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" and "25 or 6 to 4" through the 1980s songs, including "You're the Inspiration."
Headlining that night will be Shining Star, a band that recreates the music of Earth, Wind and Fire.
Touring for almost six years, Shining Star is organized and arranged by Al Bullitt, who hand-picked each member. When asked to pick a favorite song to perform, Bullitt said it was impossible, because they all "sound and feel fantastic."
Shining Star will perform classics including "Got to Get You into My Life," "September" and "Let's Groove Tonight."
"Visitors can expect a high energy and visually stimulating performance that will engage and tantalize their ears and eyes," Bullitt said. "If they are old enough, the songs will evoke memories and emotions."
A children's area will offer family-friendly activities. Budding artists can paint a masterpiece, courtesy of Pinot's Palette; learn how to break a board with PRO Martial Arts; or practice their hula-hooping skills with Lil J's Bohemia. Legoland will be in the children's area July 21 so kids can test their creativity, and Real Life Fitness will be on hand July 22 to help kids work up a sweat.
Naper Settlement has partnered with Loaves and Fishes Community Services for the July concerts. Proceeds from the tip jars at the beverage tent will benefit that organization.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for ages 4 to 12, and free for members and children younger than 4.
For details, visit napernights.org.
If you go
What: Naper Nights
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 21 and 22
Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville
Tickets: $15 adults, $10 ages 4 to 12, free to members and younger children
Info: napernights.org