Neuqua Valley teens rock Ribfest

Huey Lewis & The News took the main stage Sunday night at Naperville's Ribfest, performing their hit songs and wrapping up the annual festival.

But earlier in the day, there had been a heated competition on that same stage - the Naperville Park District's annual Battle of the Bands.

Drummer Alex Merkley, 17, looked like he had been drenched by a bucket of water after banging out drum beats in 80-plus degree weather for half an hour.

"Oh man, that was pretty awesome," Merkley said as he and his bandmates, dubbed Runaway Freight Train, descended from the main stage Sunday afternoon.

As far as gigs went, Sunday's performance topped the list of venues played by the young band, which also consists of brothers Ryan and Conor Ashe on lead and rhythm guitars and Mason Sass on bass guitar.

The bandmates, who will be seniors this fall at Neuqua Valley High School, were among three groups selected from more than 30 entries through the park district's annual Battle of the Bands competition, and one of just three selected to play at Ribfest.

The boys were floored to learn they'd made the cut. Last year, the group didn't make it past the first round.

"We had practiced for nearly a month before sending in our demo tape," Merkley said. "It was tough, but we got it done."

While the group has a playlist of original music, Sunday's showcase was focused on covers of Led Zeppelin, The Doors and a host of 1970s classic rock bands.

"We figured people would like the music," Ryan Ashe said. "We all grew up listening to our parents play these songs at home, so that was a huge influence."

To prep, the teens used the Ashe family basement as practice central for the last week, a practice space that was earned by the band through shows they put on in the neighborhood.

Dozens of family and friends joined the band, bouncing around the front of the stage during the 30-minute set.

But don't think for a minute the attention has gotten to their heads. Life has a funny way of humbling even the most hardcore of rockers.

"They're actually going to tow our car if we don't finish loading up," Merkley said.