Above / On July 4, 2016, Exchange Club of Naperville Ribfest hosts a day of Chicago blues, live on the OneMain Financial Stage to celebrate the festival with a cause in Knoch Park. (PN File Photo)
The Exchange Club of Naperville and the 2016 Ribfest Committee are pleased to present the best of barbecue, blues and brews on the OneMain Financial Stage in the South Park on Monday, July 4.
Featuring legendary Chicago blues entertainment leading up to the fireworks at 9:30PM, five bands will entertain in soulful style beginning with Smokey & Friends at 1PM, followed by Black Cat Bone with Bob Neis at 2:30PM.
The crowd-pleasing lineup will perform near the trophy-winning ribbers where picnic tables and wide open spaces provide plenty of room for blankets to be spread out on the lawn from the first set to the last.
Above / When Smokey and Friends begin singing the blues at 1PM, celebrate the rhythm of Ribfest, beating the drum to assist social service agencies that help prevent child abuse and domestic violence since it began in 1988. Cheers! (PN File Photo)
Joanna Conner
Joanna Conner is slated for a one-hour set at 4PM. According to Guitar World, “Joanna Connor might be the best—or most original—blues-based slide guitar player you’re likely to come across today. Or tomorrow.”
“Make them listen,” is what Conner intends when she introduces her signature sound, “an amalgamation of vast influences and sheer, natural talent.” Categorized as a blues artist and widely known for her fierce attack and searing slide skills, Conner’s memorable style is touted as a “mélange of funk, rock, jazz, world music and, of course, blues.”
Mike Wheeler Band
The Mike Wheeler Band, one of the hardest working and busiest bands in Chicago, will perform 5:30-6:45PM. With vocalist Mike Wheeler on guitar, Larry Williams on bass and background vocals, Cleo Cole on drums, and Brian James on keyboards and background vocals, the Mike Wheeler Band is “a brilliant staple of the Chicago blues community.”
Toronzo Cannon
Toronzo Cannon plays from 7:30-9:15PM. Cannon hails from Chicago and has become one of the Windy City’s most recognized bluesman through his impressive story of determination, energy and love for his songs and his music. By day, Cannon drives a Chicago Transit Authority bus and by night he performs, arranging his traveling performance schedule to accommodate his day job.
“I am proud to be part of a movement,” says the songwriter and guitarist on his website, noting he’s eager to hit the road and introduce his music to new fans in new places such as Ribfest.
The best blues can be too moving for background conversation, so sit back, relax, listen and take it all in with barbecue and brew.
Happy Independence Day, too!
About Exchange Club of Naperville Ribfest
The 29th Ribfest will be held July 1-July 4 in Knoch Park, Naperville. The family festival is set to return with four days of food, fun and music, all with a purpose. Over the past 28 years, $14.5M has been donated from Ribfest proceeds to more than 50 local agencies, all working to prevent and eliminate child abuse and domestic violence.
Ribfest is produced by the Exchange Club of Naperville and sponsored, in part, by Navistar, Exelon Nuclear, Meijer, Miller Lite, Coca Cola Beverage Company, ABC 7 Chicago and many other wonderful sponsors in conjunction with the City of Naperville and the Naperville Park District. Volunteer run and mission driven, the Exchange Club of Naperville welcomes volunteers to assist in making Ribfest the premier outdoor summer festival in the area.
For more info about all the music, food and fun stuff happening for all ages at the four-day festival, visit www.ribfest.net.
