Naper Nights bands cover history of rock
Naper Settlement presents the "history of rock" this summer in the Naper Nights Community Concert Series that will bring music from The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Queen, the Who, Led Zeppelin and more to the Naperville museum campus over six nights of performances.
Concerts will be 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, June 17 and 18, July 22 and 23 and Aug. 19 and 20, on the Naper Settlement grounds, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville.
"Naper Nights is a great way to gather with friends and family to enjoy an evening of music under the stars," Special Events Coordinator Adison Glick said. "This year's music lineup includes returning favorites and new bands, brought together with a common theme: exploring the history of rock 'n' roll from its roots to today."
The concert on Friday, June 17, will explore the early years of rock 'n' roll with the Fortunate Sons, a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band. They are followed by Mr. Blotto, a popular local jam band that formed in 1990 and has performed more than 2,000 shows over the past last 15 years. To celebrate the history of rock, Mr. Blotto has put together a special set of music for Naper Nights, primarily consisting of songs by the Allman Brothers, the Grateful Dead and The Band.
Naper Nights pays tribute to the greatest rock 'n' roll bands of all time on Saturday, June 18. Beggars Banquet, a Rolling Stones tribute band, opens the show performing the hits in full costume.
The evening's headliner is American English, which is celebrating not only five decades plus of Beatlemania, but also the 50th anniversary of the album "Revolver" and the 74th birthday, to the day, of Sir Paul McCartney. To commemorate these occasions, American English will play a two-set show, performing the "Revolver" album in its entirety during the first set. The second set is a McCartney birthday party celebration with hits from both The Beatles and Wings.
The July concerts move the music into the 1970s and beyond beginning on Friday, July 22, with OMT, a local favorite that plays a variety of music from rock to Indie to country, from classic to current. Afterward, Chicago party band Mike and Joe plays alternative rock hits from the '90s to today, including Train, Dave Matthews Band, and Mumford and Sons.
On Saturday, July 23, Killer Queen will perform a full-production tribute to Queen, followed by Landslide, a tribute band to Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famers Fleetwood Mac.
Tease your hair, wear a mullet, and put on your leg warmers because Friday, Aug. 19, is '80s night featuring headliner 16 Candles. Driving a musical DeLorean and taking the crowd back in time will be opening act Fletcher Rockwell, a Chicago band that plays classic Americana-tinged rock 'n' roll steeped in blue-collar charm. Those who wear a "totally rad" outfit will have a chance to win "righteous" prizes in the '80s costume contest.
Return to rock 'n' roll roots Saturday, Aug. 20, with Who's Who, a tribute band that recreates the sound, energy and excitement of The Who; followed by Kashmir, a Led Zeppelin tribute band that seeks to replicate the experience of an authentic '70s Zeppelin show using vintage stage gear, costumes and special effects.
Guests should bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concessions will offer food and drinks; no outside food or beverages allowed.
Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for ages 4 to 12, and free for members and younger children. Sponsorship and volunteering opportunities are available. For information and tickets, visit napernights.org.
Naper Nights lineup
June 17: The Fortunate Sons at 6 p.m.; Mr. Blotto at 8:15 p.m.
June 18: Beggars Banquet at 6 p.m.; American English at 8:15 p.m.
July 22: OMT at 6 p.m.; Mike and Joe at 7:45 p.m.
July 23: Killer Queen at 6 p.m.; Landslide at 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 19 ('80s night): Fletcher Rockwell at 6 p.m.; 16 Candles at 8:15 p.m.
Aug. 20: Who's Who at 6 p.m.; Kashmir at 8:15 p.m.