Naper Settlement kicks off annual Naper Nights Community Concert Series on June 16-17
On June 16-17, Naper Settlement's annual Naper Nights Community Concert Series kicks off its 2023 season with local and national tribute acts performing the hits of Jimi Hendrix, Parliament Funkadelic, and more.
Nationally recognized singer, songwriter, and guitarist Brandon "Taz" Niederauer (Taz Plays Hendrix) will take the stage at the first Naper Nights of the season.
Naper Nights celebrates historic milestones in rock music and pop culture with themed tribute concerts in June, July, and August. The concerts are from 5 to 10 p.m. at Naper Settlement, off Aurora Avenue and Webster Street in downtown Naperville.
A variety of food and alcoholic beverages will be available at each concert.
The New York-based Taz Plays Hendrix will make his Naperville debut at Naper Nights with a tribute to Jimi Hendrix on Friday, June 16, from 8 to 10 p.m.
Brandon "Taz" Niederauer has been making national headlines since the age of 10 for his guitar playing. He has played alongside Buddy Guy, Stevie Nicks, Lady Gaga, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Dr. John, and other musical legends.
Opening for Taz Plays Hendrix will be The Midnight Sun Band performing a soul music tribute from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
On June 17, Motown Nation will play a mix of Motown songs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. From 8 to 10 p.m., America Eats Its Young will perform a tribute to Parliament Funkadelic.
Both Naper Nights concerts will open the night with local students from the School of Rock playing their favorites on stage from 5 to 5:40 p.m.
Local food vendors include Angeli's Restaurant, Guzman Y Gomez, John's Rib House, Ben & Jerry's, and Little Pops Pizzeria. There will be beer selections from Alter Brewing Company, wine selections from Rodney Strong Vineyards, and organic tequila seltzers from Freshie.
A children's area with activities provided by Pinot's Palette, Daily Apple Face Painting, WickedBall Chicago, and Naper Settlement will also be on site.
Each night, all tips collected at the beverage tents benefit a local organization. Tips on Friday benefit Naper Pride, and Saturday's tips will go to the Kyle Zuleg Foundation.
Tickets are $20 or $15 for youth, ages 4 to 12. Members and children under age 4 receive complimentary admission.
For more information and tickets, visit NaperNights.org.
The series continues with the Red NOT Chili Peppers (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Fooz Fighters (Foo Fighters) on July 14, and The American Idiots (Green Day) and Weeze (Weezer) on July 15.
In August, the tribute bands will be Johnny V's Heart of Gold Band (Neil Young) and Prine Time (John Prine) on Aug. 18, and Gaslighter (Dixie Chicks) and Sparks Fly (Taylor Swift) on Aug. 19.