Country music fans will enjoy Casey James, Love and Theft at Ribfest July 4, in Naperville. The annual festival is organized by the Exchange Club of Naperville.
With 19 Recordings/BNA Records artist Casey James first emerged on the national scene with his third-place run on Season 9 of American Idol. A native of Cool, Texas, James grew up surrounded by music; both his parents played guitar and sang, as did other family members, and Casey was playing guitar and performing throughout his young adulthood. His wide-ranging influences include such artists as Merle Haggard, Vince Gill, ZZ Top, and Bonnie Raitt, with a mix of ‘70s rock, blues, and outlaw country all helping to shape his style. Following his success on Idol, Casey set his sights on Nashville, touring with Sugarland in early 2011 and playing his own shows while working on his debut album, which was released in 2012. Casey is currently giving fans a taste of the album with the bluesy, goodtime feel of the first single, “Let’s Don’t Call It a Night,” co-written with Terry McBride and Brice Long.
Love and Theft may be celebrating the release of their second studio album, but to the ACM-nominated country duo, the self-titled release might as well be their first. Love and Theft is Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson’s first album since joining RCA Nashville, the home too many of their musical inspirations. “We feel like people will be hearing us for the first time,” said Eric. Stephen agrees and credits the label’s storied history with helping to reenergize the band. “The history of RCA Records is incredible. Just knowing that we are on the same label as some of our biggest influences, like Elvis Presley, is an awesome feeling.”
Casey James and Love and Theft join the other headliners previously announced: Styx on July 3, Rick Springfield on July 6, Lynyrd Skynyrd on July 7 with additional bands to be announced.
Ribfest will be held July 3-7, 2013 in Knoch Park, Naperville. Ribfest consists of family activities throughout the event, rib vendors from across the country and music. Proceeds from Ribfest benefit the support for the elimination of Child Abuse and Domestic Violence. Tickets will go on sale in the spring at www.ribfest.net.
The Exchange Club is a national group of men and women working as volunteers to make the community a better place through its primary mission, the Prevention of Child Abuse, and through local community service projects. The club organizes fundraising activities such as Ribfest over the Fourth of July and promote Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities and to Prevent Child Abuse and Domestic Violence. Anyone interested in any of the activities mentioned above, call (630) 779-2702 or visit www.ExchangeClub.org.
