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3 rock acts to headline Naperville's Ribfest

Ribfest in Naperville looks to become "a little old place where we can get together" this summer, with "Love Shack" band the B-52s joining headliners Toby Keith, Shinedown and the Wallflowers for the four-day festival that runs June 30 through July 3.

In its 30th year, the fest will bring these artists to Knoch Park near downtown Naperville for concerts that benefit child abuse-prevention charities supported by the Exchange Club of Naperville.

Toby Keith kicks off this year's Ribfest as the main musical act on Friday, June 30, after openers Drew Baldridge and Colt Ford. Music on Saturday, July 1, features the B-52s with Flock of Seagulls. Sunday's lineup on July 2 includes Shinedown and Collective Soul. And before a Monday night fireworks show on July 3, Ribfest crowds will hear from the Wallflowers and Better than Ezra.

General admission tickets range from $12 to $40 and are set to go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at ribfest.net, spokeswoman Erin O'Donnell said.

Proceeds from past festivals have helped the Exchange Club donate $15.5 million to 50 area charities that fight child abuse and domestic violence.

Ribfest is known for having a country night, and this year, Toby Keith fits the bill. But the announcement of his performance early this year drew concerns from online commenters because of the lyrics of a song Keith played during the inauguration of President Donald Trump.

Organizers chose to keep his show on the calendar for opening night and book two other country acts to complement him.

Rock also has been a staple at Ribfest, and the B-52s - known for hits like "Love Shack," "Roam," and "Deadbeat Club" - will rock the main stage July 1 with tunes that spawned the nickname The World's Greatest Party Band.

Shinedown will bring a hard rock flavor to the scene July 2 with a show as the band tours to promote its latest album "Threat to Survival."

The Wallflowers will conclude the fest July 3 by turning back the clock to '90s rock with songs such as "One Headlight" and "6th Avenue Heartache" from the album "Bringing Down the Horse."

Ribfest also will include a carnival, a petting zoo, business booths and traveling vendors selling smoked and barbecued ribs.

For details, visit ribfest.net.

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