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REO Speedwagon, Earth, Wind & Fire, Meat Loaf Among RiverEdge Summer 2015 Lineup
By: BWW News Desk Apr. 16, 2015
City of Aurora Mayor Thomas Weisner announced today the 2015 line up of concerts and events at RiverEdge Park, downtown Aurora's beautiful outdoor concert venue, primed to launch its third season this summer.
Meat Loaf (August 23). Aurora's popular Downtown Alive! outdoor music series returns with One of These Nights: Eagles Tribute Band and Cowboy Jukebox (July 17) and Maggie Speaks and Catfight (August 7). Tickets are only $1 when purchased through May 31. An outdoor, sing-a-long screening of Frozen: The Movie (August 15) is a family-friendly event that promises plenty of fun audience participation and is free to the public thanks to a grant from the Dunham Fund.
RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway in downtown Aurora, is located directly across from Metra's Aurora Transportation Center, on the east bank of the Fox River. RiverEdge Park's striking John C. Dunham performance pavilion includes 30 acres of beautiful grounds, with a capacity of 8,500. Anyone who has been knows RiverEdge is clean, beautiful, staffed with friendly people, boasts state-of-the-art lighting and acoustics and is easy to get to.
RiverEdge is easily accessible from the city by taking Metra's Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) line. Paid public parking is available in the Metra lot, additional private lots surrounding the Park and in downtown Aurora just a few blocks from RiverEdge.
Food and drink can be purchased inside RiverEdge Park. Concessions at RiverEdge offer a diverse food menu along with a bar featuring a selection of domestic and craft beers, wine, sodas, bottled water and more. A busy row of festival food vendors will also set up tents to sell everything from hot dogs to funnel cakes. No outside food or drink (except sealed water bottles) are allowed in the park.All events take place rain or shine, unless conditions endanger the safety of artists and the public. Concertgoers are advised to call the RiverEdge Park WeatherLine, 630.723.2480, to check status if inclement weather is pending.
Here's the full RiverEdge 2015 summer season line-up:
NATIONAL ACTS!BoDeans
Saturday, June 13
Gates open at 7 p.m. Concert at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $25 through May 31. $40 starting June 1.
There's a reason The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum has a permanent display honoring these Midwest natives. Back in the 80s, the BoDeans blended the grit of American roots music with the upbeat elements of pop, creating a sound that caught the attention of both superstars and music fans around the country. Since then, the BoDeans have brought their unstoppable live talent on tour with legends like U2, The Pretenders and David Bowie. They've released Top 40 tunes like "Good Things," "Stay" and their smash hit "Closer to Free." And their brand new album I Can't Stop is already rocking around the world. BoDeans is sponsored by Kelm Scott Communications and Gerald Kia.
19TH Annual Blues on the Fox
Friday, June 19, featuring Royal Southern Brotherhood and North Mississippi Allstars
- Park opens at 6 p.m. Concert at 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 20, featuring Moreland & Arbuckle, Otis Taylor Band, Mavis Staples and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
- Park opens at 2 p.m. Concert at 3 p.m.
Tickets: $10 per day through May 31. $20 per day starting June 1and day of. Children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
A 19-year Aurora tradition, Blues on the Fox is a weekend of sizzlin' live music, cold beer, tasty festival food and a damn good time, all overlooking the gorgeous Fox River.The Blues on the Fox double bill for Friday, June 19 kicks off with Southern blues rockers Royal Southern Brotherhood at 7 p.m.,followed by the legendary blues jam band North Mississippi Allstars.
Saturday, June 20 kicks off withpowerhouse roots rockers Moreland & Arbuckle at 3 p.m., blues king Otis Taylor Band at 5 p.m., Chicago's first lady of the blues Mavis Staples at 7 p.m. and New Orleans party band Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at 9 p.m.Aurora's 19th Annual Blues on the Fox is sponsored by Rush-Copley Medical Center, Pepsi, Gerald Kia, BMO Harris Bank, Fox Valley Park District, Waubonsee Community College, Sikich, McDonald Modular Solutions, All Around Pumping, Paramount Fence, Jimmy John's, Fox Valley Subway, Advanced Disposal and Banana Split. The official radio sponsor of Blues on the Fox is WXRT-FM.
Smash Mouth, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Tonic
Friday, July 10
Gates open at 7 p.m. Concert at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $30 through May 31. $45 starting June 1.
It's not summer if you don't have a backyard bash, so you bring the blankets, the lawn chairs and the laidback party vibe, we'll bring the music, the beer and the sunset. Musical powerhouse Tonic starts the night off with a bang. Their rock-n-roll style drove their monster hit "If You Could Only See" to become the #1 most-played rock song of 1997, and they're still cranking hits out today. Then 25-year rock vets Toad the Wet Sprocket take the stage. What started off as a band jokingly named for a Monty Python sketch became one of the most well-recognized alt-rock groups, and these guys are bringing the laid back rock style to Aurora. Finally, surfer-meets-garage-band rockers Smash Mouth heat up the Park with a set of everyone's favorite summer jams. With countless hits like "All-Star," "Walkin' On The Sun" and their awesome cover of "I'm a Believer," these guys are the epitome of warm weather music.
REO SpeedwagonSaturday, July 18
Gates open at 6 p.m. Concert at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $30 through May 31. $45 starting June 1. When Chicago-bred REO Speedwagon launched into the rock scene, they changed the musical landscape forever. Their explosive 1980 record Hi Infidelity rocked the #1 spot on the charts for an incredible 15 weeks, gave music fans some of the greatest rock songs ever like "Keep On Loving You" and "Take It On the Run" and is now certified platinum 9 times over. And they didn't stop there. Since Hi Infidelity, REO has released many albums, each blowing the minds of rock-n-roll fans around the world. With over 40 million records sold to date, these guys are musical legends. But it's not just their stellar album sales that make REO Speedwagon one of the biggest names in rock music. Their live shows have gone down in history as some of the most electric performances of all time. Sponsored by the Dunham Fund. The official radio sponsor of REO Speedwagon is WDRV The Drive.
Rock the Yacht: Little River Band, Ambrosia, Player, Stephen Bishop and Robbie Dupree
Friday, July 24
Gates open at 7 p.m. Concert at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $20 through May 31. $35 starting June 1.
Yacht Rock originated on the coast of California, so we're bringing that 1979 beach party vibe to the Park with this rockin', feel-good show featuring nothing but hit-after-smash-hit from five of the best pop-rock bands of the late 70s and early 80s.
When Robbie Dupree kicks off the night with his Top 10 pop-rock smash "Steal Away," the whole Park will be jamming, and Stephen Bishop keeps the party vibe going with his chart-topper "On and On." Then, it'll be a full-Park sing-a-long when Player takes the stage for their #1 hit "Baby Come Back." Their friends Ambrosia bring on the love with their 1978 Top 10 hits "How Much I Feel" and "You're the Only Woman." Finally, Little River Band cools off the Fox River with "Cool Change" and whisks you back to your favorite summers with "Reminiscing." Sponsored by Progressive Energy. Daryl Hall & John OatesFriday, July 31
Gates open at 6 p.m. Concert at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $50 through May 31. $60 starting June 1.
If there's one thing every generation can agree on, it's the awesomeness of Hall & Oates. With six number one singles and six certified platinum albums, Daryl Hall & John Oates are the most successful rock duo in history. Hot off their 2014 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, their Philly soul-meets-rock style is smooth, their melodies are timeless and their catchy hooks from hits like "You Make My Dreams," "I Can't Go For That" and "Rich Girl" will make you get up and dance. Sponsored by Nicor Gas and Gerald Kia. The official radio sponsor of Daryl Hall & John Oatesis 95.9 FM The River.
Get the Led Out: Led Zeppelin Tribute Band
Friday, August 21
Gates open at 7 p.m. Concert at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $5 through May 31. $15 starting June 1.
Experiencing Get the Led out is the closest you'll get to seeing Jimmy, John, Robert and John Paul back on stage. The six talented rockers have made it their mission to bring songs from Zeppelin's legendary albums like "Led Zeppelin I-IV," "Physical Graffiti" and "In Through the Out Door" to life...and they're totally explosive. There's a reason rock journalists say Get the Led Out "didn't just pass Zeppelin 101 with flying colors - they're working on their Ph.D."
Earth, Wind & Fire
Saturday, August 22
Gates open at 6 p.m. Concert at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $30 through May 31. $45 starting June 1.
They bring the Earth, Wind and Fire, and the Park brings the water. What happens when you combine all these elements? A night on the Fox River you'll never forget. With seven Top 10 singles like their 1975 #1 hit "Shining Star," multi-platinum albums (we're talking certified quintuple platinum albums here) and six Grammys, this is one of the best-selling bands in history. It's going to be tough to stay in your seat when their feel-good blend of pop, funk, R&B and soul starts playing, so get up, let your spirit fly and groove the night away with Earth, Wind & Fire. Sponsored by Clear Perspective Advisors, Aurora Sign and Heartland Recycling.
Meat Loaf
Sunday, August 23
Gates open at 5 p.m. Concert at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $30 through May 31. $45 starting June 1.
DOWNTOWN ALIVE! CONCERT SERIES
If you hear the word "weekend" and think kicking back in a lawn chair, grabbing a cold one and jamming to your favorite tunes with family and friends, then you've got to be at RiverEdge for Downtown Alive! Aurora's concert series has become a summer highlight here in the City of Lights, and the musical acts lined up this year keep the tradition going. Tickets are just $1 if purchased through May 31. Children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
Downtown Alive! One of These Nights: Eagles Tribute Band and Cowboy Jukebox
Friday, July 17
Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Cowboy Jukebox at 7:30 p.m. One of These Nights at
9 p.m.
Tickets: $1 through May 31. $3 starting June 1.
Polish off your cowboy boots and throw on those Daisy Dukes. The dudes and darlin' of Chicago's Cowboy Jukebox are bringing your favorite country hits to life with their straight shootin' style. Then Eagles tribute band One of These Nights takes the stage. These guys are known across the country for their high-energy tribute to one of the greatest bands of all time - and they really run the gamut when it comes to the Eagles' catalog, playing everything from massive hits like "Hotel California" and "Take It Easy" to the deep cuts.
Downtown Alive! Maggie Speaks and Catfight
Friday, August 7
Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Catfight at 7:30 p.m. Maggie Speaks at 9 p.m.
Tickets: $1 through May 31. $3 starting June 1.
The talented ladies of Catfight have a reputation of turning every venue they play into a massive party. So grab a beer, get ready to sing along and have some serious fun when Catfight kicks off the night. Then Chicago favorite Maggie Speaks rocks the Park by bringing your music library to life right before your eyes... and ears. Their huge repertoire includes 5 decades of songs, including everything from 50s favorites to Top 40 hits you heard last week. With their seamless transitions from pop to rock, country to hip-hop and everything in between, their unstoppable energy is infectious.
Downtown Alive! is sponsored by Rush-Copley Medical Center, Pepsi, Gerald Kia, BMO Harris Bank, Fox Valley Park District, Waubonsee Community College, Sikich, McDonald Modular Solutions, All Around Pumping, Paramount Fence, Jimmy John's, Fox Valley Subway, Advanced Disposal and Banana Split.
MOVIES IN THE PARK
Sing-A-Long Frozen: The MovieSaturday, August 15
Gates Open at 6:30 p.m. Pre-Show Games at 7:15 p.m. Movie at 8 p.m.
Free, thanks to a grant from the Dunham Fund
Disney's Frozen shattered records, won a few Academy Awards and introduced the world to one of the greatest songs in cinema history. Now, get ready to sing along to this incredible movie that's fun for the whole family. The Frozen fun starts with games for the kids, Anna and Elsa costume contests and much more. Then, when the sun goes down, the Park fills with voices young and old singing along to "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" "Love Is An Open Door" and, of course, "Let It Go." This event is free to the public, thanks to a grant from the Dunham Fund.
COMMUNITY FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Color Vibe 5K Race
Sunday, May 31, 7:30 a.m.
Registration: $65 (includes race entry, Color Vibe Race Bib and Color Vibe Race Pack)
Deadline: May 30, 2015 Limited spots available, so sign up now!
To register, go to http://www.thecolorvibe.com/aurora.php
The Color Vibe 5K isn't just about crossing the finish line - it's about how colorful you get along the way. As you run through scenic Downtown Aurora, along the gorgeous Fox River and end up in RiverEdge Park, you'll be blasted with vibrant color powders that make tie-dyeing so yesterday. Families are welcome.
SoulFeed Smooth Jazz Festival
Saturday, June 6
Gates open at 3 p.m. Festival starts at 4 p.m.
Tickets: $35 through April 30. $40 starting May 1.
Aurora's Fourth of July Celebration
Friday, July 3
Gates opens at 3 p.m. American Legion Band at 5:30 p.m. Fox Valley Orchestra at 7 p.m. Aurora City Fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Free admission
RiverEdge is getting the 4th of July party started a day early in Aurora. Local favorites the Aurora American Legion Band kick off the concert with a variety of songs including American standards, heart-pounding marches, contemporary tunes and more. Then, the Fox Valley Orchestra takes the stage, ready to play everything from Top 40 chart toppers to classic hits to memorable movie scores, with a few fun surprises thrown in the mix. And after the orchestra's last note rings through the warm summer air, the Aurora sky bursts with a magical fireworks show sure to delight both the young and young-at-heart.
Sacred Heart Annual Festival and Concert
Sunday, July 5
Details to be announced
It's a full day of family fun, food and music celebrating the rich culture of Latin America, and it all benefits Aurora's own Sacred Heart Parish. This year's fest will feature tons of vendors offering traditional Hispanic items and clothes, endless authentic Latin-American food options and great games for the kids. When the afternoon rolls around, the RiverEdge Park stage fills with some of the area's biggest and brightest Hispanic bands.
Aurora Puerto Rican Heritage Festival
Saturday, July 25, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, July 26, 1 p.m.-9 p.m.
Tickets: $5. Children 5 & under free.
Tickets only available at the gate on the days of the festival.
It's a two-day festival celebrating the rich heritage of Puerto Rico. Put on by the Aurora Puerto Rican Cultural Council, the weekend features endless food vendors offering wonderful cuisine, domino competitions, traditional folk music, Puerto Rican bands, a kids' play area, novelty vendors, Puerto Rican craftsmanship vendors and non-stop fun. And don't forget to take in the sights and sounds of the Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday, July 26. The Parade starts at Noon from Benton and Broadway Street.
Fox Valley Irish FestivalSaturday, September 5
Park Opens at 3 p.m.
Tickets: $5 ages 15 and up through May 31. Starting June 1: $10 ages 15 and up.
$5 in advance and day of event for 14 and under. Kids 2 and under free.
No need to fly across the pond to get in on all that Irish fun. With beer and whiskey tastings, vendors offering phenomenal Irish fare, crafts and games for the kids and, of course, the hottest Irish bands around, the 2nd Annual Fox Valley Irish Fest is the biggest Irish party the Chicago suburbs have ever seen.
There's something for the whole family at Irish Fest. There's a huge children's play area filled with crafts, games and a freckle contest. Meanwhile, Irish beer will be flowing and tons of cool vendors will be offering authentic Irish food and more. Then, when the sun starts to go down over the green hills (ok, hill) of the Park, three of the best Irish bands light up the night: Brendan Loughrey, The Ploughboys, followed by the headliners, The Mahones.
Sponsored by Ballydoyle Irish Pub, Star 96.7 FM, 95.9 FM The River, Baum Property, I.A.T.S.E. Local 2, Fox Valley Building Trades, Kenny Corn, R.J. O'Neil and West Suburban Irish.
Fiestas Patrias
Sunday, September 13
Gates Open at Noon
Free admission
Celebrate the sound, culture and taste of Mexico at Fiestas Patrias. From the delicious food to the variety of musical acts to the children's play area, there's something for everyone at this fun festival right on the Fox River. Sponsored by the Dunham Fund, Telemundo, Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board and the City of Aurora.
In only its third season, Chicago and Chicago's western suburbs have a terrific new summer destination in RiverEdge Park, a beautiful outdoor concert venue in downtown Aurora.
Anchored by the contemporary John C. Dunham performance pavilion, RiverEdge is a general admission park with a capacity of up to 8,500, boasting state-of-the-art acoustics and lighting, a warm community feel anda gorgeous view on the banks of the Fox River.
RiverEdge Park is managed and programmed by the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA), which also oversees operations for Aurora's historic Paramount Theatre. The 2015 RiverEdge Season is sponsored by the Dunham Fund, City of Aurora and Paramount Arts CentreEndowment (PACE). For more information, visit RiverEdgeAurora.com or call the RiverEdge box office, 630.896.6666.Comments
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