Musicians, singers and songwriters Jon Conover, Leslie Beukelman and Miles Nielsen have teamed up to kick off the start of the singer/songwriter series at the new Rivers Edge Theatre in Yorkville. This series will bring the region’s best songwriters out to tell the stories behind their music every Friday in August and September beginning on Aug. 17.
According to Conover, who is no stranger to musical performance in Naperville, the new theater will showcase regionally and nationally-known talent, working together with everyone to bring “something special” to Yorkville and all the surrounding communities.
“Naperville is the means for comparison when it comes to a vibrant downtown area that is second only to Chicago in Illinois,” said Conover, who has entertained on his acoustic guitar many times at local venues. “It’s always exciting to have an upcoming performance in the Naperville area, the vibe is great and I always meet new friends.”
In recent years, Conover has performed at SugarToad in the Hotel Arista, Bar Louie, Quigley’s Irish Pub and CityGate Grille where he has created a loyal local following that he hopes will find his new venture in Yorkville attractive, too.
Conover, whose first album was recorded in Chicago in 2006, and most recent album last year in Los Angeles, went on to explain that he recently took over booking for the Rivers Edge Theatre. This seemed like a good fit for Conover who has a large fan base and many talented friends to help give the new theatre a good start.
“I went to school with so many talented people, and when you perform music full time for a living, you meet and become friends with and a lot of great performers.
“I’m privileged to have friends like Leslie Beukleman who has become one of the most well-known and versatile vocalist in Chicago, and Miles Nielsen who is becoming a nationally known songwriter and performer,” Conover said.
Since graduating with a jazz performance/jazz voice degree from Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts in downtown Chicago, Beukleman has forged a central role in Chicago’s vibrant music scene. Over the last year, she had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem for First Lady Michelle Obama, as well as performing a solo a cappella rendition of “God Bless America” at the 2012 Chicago Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony in Daley Plaza.
Nielsen is the son of Cheap Trick’s founding member and guitar player, Rick Nielsen. He scored the music for the Academy award-winning documentary film, “Undefeated” and he and his band are touring with the top selling rock group, the BoDeans, this summer. Miles Nielsen has been featured in countless media publications and has had regular airtime on the Mid-West and Europe’s biggest stations.
Rivers Edge Theatre also will feature a large variety of improv/comedy shows, theatrical performances, dinner theater with space available for business seminars and luncheons.
The 65-seat seat theater located at 217 South Bridge St. has many advantages, including an intimate setting where the audience can feel its part of the show.
“We’re a boutique theater located near the banks of the Fox River in the quaint, original downtown part of Yorkville,” noted Conover. ” Our theatre is nestled between our community’s historic brick buildings, giving it a nostalgic feel and is only steps away from the area’s best restaurants. Once inside the theater you’ll be pleased to find a newly remodeled space with a warm atmosphere and the latest in stage sound and lighting. We provide family-friendly entertainment of the highest quality that can range from our own local creative souls to nationally-recognized names in music, theater, comedy and beyond.”
For the upcoming schedule of performances, visit www.riversedgetheatre.com or call (630) 882-0035.
