Supergroup Dinosaur Exhibit returns to Hey Nonny

Dinosaur Exhibit, a band comprised of members of several progressive rock bands from the late 60s and early 70s, returns to Hey Nonny for two shows on March 25 and 26. The Dinosaurs now include longtime Allman Brothers drummer Jamo Van de Bogert.

"It's always amazing when Dinosaur Exhibit takes the stage at Hey Nonny," said co-owner Chip Brooks. "Their shows are a blast, and these guys played an integral part in the birth of American progressive rock. Seeing them onstage together is a cool experience for any fan of prog rock."

Led by Arlington Heights' own Jerry Smith, the band was formed by members of several historical Chicago-based rock bands, including: The Flock, Aura, and The Mauds. The Flock had a hit with "Clown." The Mauds scored with "Hold On,""Knock On Wood," and "Soul Drippin'." All were signed to Mercury Records and toured the world.

In addition to Jamo Van de Bogert from Allman Brothers, the Dinosaur's Hey Nonny shows will feature original Flock member Jerry Goodman, the famed jazz rock violinist. After The Flock, Goodman was a member of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, the Jan Hammer Group, and The Dixie Dregs. He has also appeared on countless recordings with Hall & Oats, Styx, and Toots Thieleman.

The last time this collective played together - other than on the Hey Nonny stage - was as the opener for Steely Dan at Ravinia.

The Flock, Aura, and The Mauds are collectively responsible for seven albums and more than 15, 45 RPM records. Band leader Jerry Smith is not only an accomplished bassist, vocalist and Arlington Heights resident, but he just retired from a long career as the International Vice President of Sales for Zildjian Cymbals. Sax player Quint Lang and former member of The Mauds is also a longtime Arlington Heights resident.

"Two things are especially amazing about Dinosaur Exhibit," said Brooks. "First, this is not a tribute band. These are the guys that created the hits and sold a million records. Second, they are musically at the top of their game. I didn't believe that until I heard it myself. They are tight and kick butt."

In addition to Van de Boger, Goodman, Lang, and Smith, the Dinosaurs include Mike Flynn from The Mauds, George Barr from Aura, and Don Lafferty from Nightburners.

Tickets for the upcoming Dinosaur Exhibit shows can be found at www.heynonny.com/#shows.

Hey Nonny is a bistro and music venue located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights. The bistro serves an array of interesting Midwestern comfort-food-with-a-twist and a seasonally changing menu. The music venue is one of the best new "listening rooms" in the country, and hosts live music six days a week, featuring the best Chicago and touring acts playing jazz, blues, country, folk, and rock.