Grammy-winning artist brings old hits with a jazz twist to Naperville

Jim Peterik is chiseling off the rocky edges and taking it down to smooth jazz.

The Grammy-winning artist most widely known for penning such hits as "Eye of the Tiger," "Vehicle" and "The Search is Over" has changed his ways, and his new musical endeavor, Lifeforce, is a smooth makeover of the old Peterik.

With a new sound, Peterik will headline this year's Naperville Jazz Festival Saturday, June 19.

"Sometimes people think of jazz as not an exciting music genre, but Peterik is going to make it pretty exciting," said Linda Kolaya, fest organizer who is on the board of directors for Project HELP, one of two organizations that benefit from the event.

The festival kicks off at 5 p.m. with the Dan Cray Trio. Lifeforce Vocalist Lisa McClowry performs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Then Peterik headlines the event starting at 8 p.m.

Among the tunes Peterik will perform are some of his old hits during his days as a founding member of both Survivor and the Ides of March.

Additionally, Peterik is the mastermind behind .38 Special hits "Hold on Loosely," "Caught Up in You" and "Fantasy Girl."

"He's put a new jazz twist on them so I think the fest is going to have a jazzy, rock twist," Kolaya said "It's going to be a combo. It's not going to be a purist jazz."

ABC 7 sports anchor Jim Rose will emcee the event.

Food and drinks can be purchased from Belgio's Catering. Additionally, fest-goers can visit the Belgium beer tent and relax and try new beers.

The event also will serve as a CD release party for vocalist McClowry.

Proceeds from the event go to Project HELP, an organization that teaches parenting skills and provides parent mentors, and the Next Level Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports students in under-resourced communities.

Gates open at 4 p.m. and the music starts at 5 p.m. The Naperville Community Concert Center is at 104 E. Benton Ave.

"There are so many outdoor fests and functions and we're pleased to be the one event that kicks the season off," Kolaya said. "And we're praying for good weather."

Advance ticket sales are $30 for seating or $15 for the lawn. At the gate, tickets cost $35 for seating or $20 for the lawn.

For information, visit napervillejazz.com.

<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>

<p class="News"><b>What:</b> Naperville Jazz Festival</p>

<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 4 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 19</p>

<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Naperville Community Concert Center, 104 E. Benton Ave.</p>

<p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> $30 for seating, $15 for lawn in advance; $5 more at the gate</p>

<p class="News"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://napervillejazz.com" target="new">napervillejazz.com</a></p>