Styx, REO Speedwagon, other homegrown talent confirmed for bicentennial bash

Posted October 04, 2018 1:00 am

By Scott C. Morgan

Expect plenty of homegrown talent and sporting stars for the state of Illinois' Bicentennial Birthday Bash. It's set for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, at Chicago's United Center.

The show highlights people, places, events and innovations that were "Born, Built and Grown in Illinois."

The band REO Speedwagon, which originated in Champaign, was recently confirmed. Also, an original musical composition inspired by President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address will be performed by Miguel Cervantes, the title star of the Chicago company of the musical "Hamilton," alongside statewide student winners of Broadway In Chicago's Illinois High School Musical Awards.

They all join previously announced participants like members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago-born band Styx, blues legend Buddy Guy, Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee, announcer Bill Kurtis and actor Joe Mantegna.

Also planned is a parade of Olympic Champions, championship team owners, legends, trophies and celebrity fans who will recreate celebrations of Illinois' greatest sports moments. The event will also honor 200 military veterans.

Tickets are $50 and $75, and they're now on sale at the United Center box office and through Ticketmaster.

For information, visit unitedcenter.com or illinois200.com.

Blues legend Buddy Guy is on the bill for the state of Illinois' Bicentennial Birthday Bash at the United Center in Chicago at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3.

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