Naper Nights brings familiar songs from top-notch cover bands to Naper Settlement – Chicago Tribune

Getting Bruce Springsteen to play downtown Naperville may not be in the cards this year. But with the Naper Nights Concert Series, you can listen to the best of the Boss and several other legends of rock as some of the country’s best cover bands come to Naper Settlement this summer.

“It’s an upscale community concert series taking place on the historic and picturesque grounds of Naper Settlement,” said Adison Glick, special events team leader at Naper Settlement, which is organizing and hosting the concerts. “Each show highlights legendary artists, with tribute sets performed by nationally renowned bands and musicians.”

Ten of the 12 bands performing in the series this year will be making their Naper Nights debut. “Each headlining act is a nationally touring band that dedicates their art to recreating the music and live experience of their chosen tribute,” Glick said.

Some highlights include Gabriel Sanchez Presents: The Prince Experience on June 17, The Ten Band performing Pearl Jam music on July 16 and Bruce in the USA taking on the Springsteen songbook on Aug. 19.

“Naperville is a diverse community and the 2022 Naper Nights lineup celebrates the city’s artistic range,” Glick said. “Each month has a different theme, with a Juneteenth celebration in June, a nod to ’80s and ’90s alternative music in July, and a classic rock blowout in August.

“I am personally excited to present the Bob Marley tribute One Drop Redemption, featuring Wailer and two-time Grammy Nominee Josh David Barrett,” he said. “One Drop Redemption will be the first reggae band to play Naper Nights, and we can’t wait.”

The full schedule of shows this year includes:

June 17

6 pm Chicago Soul Revue (Soul music tribute)

8 pm Gabriel Sanchez Presents: The Price Experience (Prince tribute)

June 18

6 pm Soul 2 the Bone (Motown and R&B tribune)

8 pm One Drop Redemption (Bob Barley & The Wailers tribute band)

Jul 15

6 pm Blink-180TRUE (Blink-182 tribute band)

8 pm Red NOT Chili Peppers (Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band)

Jul 16

6 pm Smells Like Nirvana (Nirvana tribute band)

8 pm The Ten Band (Pearl Jam tribute band)

Aug 19

6 pm Hurricane Gumbo (Louisiana party music)

8 pm Bruce in the USA (Bruce Springsteen tribute band)

Aug 20

6 pm Brooklyn Charmers (Steely Dan tribute band)

8 pm Journeyman (Eric Clapton tribute band)

The concert series has been held at Naper Settlement for the last 16 years, attracting more than 2,000 people to each event on the 13-acre campus in downtown Naperville. The all-ages shows are family-friendly, with kids’ activities from Pinot’s Palette, WickedBall Chicago and Naper Settlement taking place on the grounds. There’s also an emphasis on food and drink options available at the events.

“Music and food are the mainstays of a great party, and Naper Nights has the best of both,” Glick said. ‘A massive menu of food offerings will be available from Seoul Taco, Everdine’s Grilled Cheese, Little Pop’s Pizza, Guzman y Gomez, John’s Ribhouse and Ben & Jerry’s.’

Alter Brewing will be there to provide beverages, along with wine from Rodney Strong and Knotty Vines and a new tequila seltzer called Freshie.

“We’ve added a second bar location this year to keep attendees grooving and out of lines,” Glick said.

Naper Nights tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for youth ages 4 to 12. Kids under 4 and Naper Settlement members are free, although they must get tickets in advance to the shows, which may sell out.

Doors for each show open at 5 pm, with performers from the local School of Rock taking the stage to start the evening. Those who attend are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets for a more comfortable experience. The event serves as a fundraiser for Naper Settlement, with all tips collected at the beverage tents each night going to a different local nonprofit organization.

“Naper Nights is an all-ages show with something for everyone,” Glick said. “The multigenerational music lineup — alongside upscale food and beverages and activities for the whole family — create an evening of joy.”

Naper Nights Concert Series

When: June 17 and 18, July 15 and 16, Aug. 19 and 20

Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville

Tickets: $15-$20; Members and children under 4 are free

Information: 630-420-6010; www.napersettlement.org

Jeff Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.