Music
Every year at Eyes to the Skies, we strive to have a great line up of Musicians. This year is no different. We have once again decided to keep most of the bands local to spotlight the great acts in the area.
Van Kampen Stage (Main Stage)
Friday, July 1st
6:00pm – New Invaders
The New Invaders are truly “New,” as this inspirational 60′s rock review ushers back in the fabulous era of BRITISH rock and roll with major new players! Powerfully packed with an incredible sound and theatrical touch, The New Invaders roll out the red carpet with their classic style and repertoire of classic hit songs! Each band member is a professional worthy of the stage, bringing to life an inspiring reflection of days gone by. The New Invaders will take you on a journey that will never be forgotten. Song after song, note for note, hold on to your seat as they take you back in time to an explosive and historical musical time period unlike any other! The sound, the look, and the visual nostalgia brings the journey to life!
8:00pm – American English
American English is simply the best Beatle tribute story of our time. At the inception of the band, they were voted “number one” by thousands of Beatle fans as winners of sound a like contests at Beatlefest® for three consecutive years. Their demand here and abroad, coupled with their spectacular fan base, anchored them into a professional setting, and launched them into larger venues and theaters worldwide. American English has shared the stage with musical headliners such as The Grassroots, The Neville Brothers, Three Dog Night, The Ides of March, Eric Burdon, The Buckinghams, The Doobie Bros., Badfinger, and many others. With the band’s increasing success, American English hit the international scene in 1999 making their debut in Tokyo. Their appearance hit the press and initiated a major article in the upscale Japanese magazine “Lightening,” causing “American English Mania” in Japan. The frenzied crowds in Tokyo reacted as though they were seeing the real thing!
http://www.americanenglishbeatles.com/
Saturday, July 2nd
4:00pm – Strong Enough
Lisle’s very own! Lisle’s Laurie Blasing brings the music of Sheryl Crow to life in this talented Lisle based Sheryl Crow tribute band. Along with her lead guitar playing husband Joe, Lisle drummer Mike Shuta, rhythm guitar/ harp player Bill Bolan, bass player Ralph Yates and back up vocalist Tanya Mueller, Strong Enough serves up a healthy and energetic dose of Sheryl Crow hits. In addition to Sheryl Crow material, SE has discovered they have a liking for country and country-crossover. While adding new Sheryl Crow material all the time, SE also performs songs from Johnny Cash, Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, and several others. Come on out and have a good time at The Lisle Eyes to the Skies Festival or one of our upcoming shows for some great local entertainment.
http://www.myspace.com/thestrongenoughband
6:00pm – Rico
Rico is defined as a band with a rich sound of diversified musical cultures. A mixture of sophisticated melodic genres and ethnicity coming together is the essence of Rico! This sound can be heard on their CD’s entitled “Make Music (2010)” and “Casa De Tambores (2004)”. Influenced tremendously by the sound and spirit of Santana, you can say Rico is the modern day Santana. These musicians also do a three hour tribute show paying homage to their main influence Santana. The band is comfortable in any genre and is right at home putting their spin on covers from Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Kanye West, Hendrix, Santana, etc.
8:00pm – Sixteen Candles
Established in 2003. Re-established in 2006. 16 Candles makes it their personal duty and pleasure to bring all the great 80′s songs you love to life in full force. Their attention to detail and commitment to entertainment captivates audiences and inspires new ways of dancing and thinking (not to mention drinking).
http://www.sixteencandlesband.com
Sunday, July 3rd
4:00pm – Pat Smillie Band
Detroit born but Chicago bred, Pat Smillie nicely blends blues and soul. Pat Smillie is an amazing vocalist, with a soulful expressive voice. He doesn’t just sing; he feels the songs, and he’ll make you feel them, too. It’s almost as if he becomes possessed by the music. That’s how deep it goes. Without a doubt Smillie and his band have been a revered local fixture for more than a decade. Pounding blues rock, funky soul, slick urban R&B, smooth ballads, and even a taste of country.
6:00pm – Libido Funk Circus
Originally formed as an over-the-top tribute to the Disco music of the 70′s, Libido Funk Circus has been relentlessly entertaining a wide range of audiences since it’s inception in 1996. While they continue to play your favorite Disco hits, the addition of hundreds of dance & rock songs, spanning from the 60′s through today, has quite literally turned LFC into a human jukebox. From the hits of the good ole’ Motown days to the bass-thumping beats of today’s dance music; from the always danceable Disco grooves to the new wave rock of the 80′s… LFC has it “covered”.
http://www.LibidoFunkCircus.com
8:00pm – Od Tapo Imi
Described as Jimmy Buffett meets Blue Man Group, you gotta see it! Great family entertainment! OD TAPO IMI is Chicago-land’s premier steel drum band. The band has performed all over the Midwest, including The Taste of Chicago, the Illinois State Fair, the NBC 5 Concerts on the Plaza, and the Madison American Heart Association Gala. The band has opened for Jimmy Buffet a few times including this last tour. You have heard OTI’s music on the movie, “Monkey Love,” MTV, VH1, the Discovery Channel, the Travel Channel, HGTV, and A&E’s Biography – the Brady Bunch. The POP! ensemble is an expansion this year for OD TAPO IMI. The percussion group has been compared to Blue Man Group and Stomp. It is a unique blend of “instruments” and exciting performances from the artists. Check out some clips of a POP! performance on the video section of this page. OD TAPO IMI stands for “Oil Drums That Are Pounded Out Into Musical Instruments.”
Cabaret Stage (Food Court)
Friday, July 1st
5:00pm – Afterglow
Are you looking for a new way to live it up once the sun goes down? AFTERGLOW will fulfill your requests. Get ready to party with Chicago’s hottest new live band. We are here to put on a dynamically professional and entertaining show for you! Prepare to be glowing all night long! Some bands covered are P!nk, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Adam Lambert, The Killers, The Ting Tings, White Stripes, Ke$ha, Britney Spears, Hole, Cee Lo Green, Journey, Blondie, Dead or Alive, No Doubt, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry and Maroon 5
http://www.afterglowchicago.com
7:00pm – The Fold
A high energy rock-pop band from Chicago, Illinois. They have released two full length albums and one EP on Tooth & Nail Records, and an independent album in 2009. Their single “Gravity” from the album This Too Shall Pass reached #1 on the CHR Rock charts. The guys of The Fold are carving out a path for themselves in the competitive world of independent music. “We know our sound and we know what we can do well,” says Castady. “This doesn’t ever have to end as long as we have the passion to keep doing it.”
9:00pm – 7th Heaven
24 years playing the local scene. 250 bookings a year. Life long friends committed to leaving it all out on the stage NTD Records recording artists 7th heaven boasts these and other incredible accomplishments. The lead singer, winner of the British TV version of American Idol known as Pop Stars, was brought in straight from Northern Ireland. He owns a gold disc on Jive records. The band has set attendance records at major night clubs across the tri-state region. Record sales nearing 30,000 units sold and digital offerings are available on iTUNES, Amazon, and such. This is the premier Chicago festival act according to prominent talent buyers in Illinois. The critically acclaimed website “Barstar” refers to 7th Heaven as one of the 3 best bands in Chicago. (They couldn’t or wouldn’t pick just one.) 30 songs in 30 minutes. Believe it can’t be done? WATCH! Dead on renditions of Def Lepard, The Beatles, Bon Jovi, Journey and even U2 are delivered at a frenetic pace driving audiences to literally be dancing in the streets. Musicianship, theatrics, and that unmistakable Irish brogue fuel original songs that came straight from the radio play-list. Are you a Cubs fan? Listen for 7th Heaven all summer long during telecasts and you will hear their current smash hit “This Summer’s Gonna Last Forever”. How about you Bulls fans? 7th Heaven performed the National Anthem at the United Center before the Bulls/ Lakers game which was televised worldwide. This is the band your neighbors will be buzzing about for the rest of the summer. While the festivals only last a short time, for 7th Heaven’s fans, old and new a like, they will remember the experience of seeing and hearing them now because, as their song says – THIS SUMMER’S GONNA LAST FOREVER!
Saturday, July 2nd
1:00pm – Black Pearl
Black Pearl plays the classic rock hits of the 70′s – 90′s that everyone knows and loves by groups such as Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Rolling Stones, Bad Co., and Green Day plus more recent artists like Kings of Leon and Gavin DeGraw. Strong lead and harmony vocals and tight rhythm section create a big sound that keeps everyone entertained!
http://www.blackpearlrocks.com
3:00pm – Rod Tuff Curls and the Benchpress
Honestly, there’s not a whole lot to say. We could go with the whole “We were just 4 guys, from Chicago IL…” angle, but that’d be lame as well as inaccurate. The whole point of ROTC & The BP is for YOU to have a GOOD/GREAT TIME. As such, we focus on playing songs that will make you do things like: hug; enjoy a beverage; air-guitar; air-drum-solo; high-five someone; say, “Ohhh! Awesome!”; etc. We are very-literally a “Party Band.” When you see us, you will see-a-party/start-to-party.
5:00pm – The Hat Guys
The Hat Guys are a Chicago based cover band that plays fun, popular, and danceable music ranging from Disco, Rock, Pop and Club. We have had tremendous success engaging audiences with a mix of solid musicianship, top-notch show, energetic dancing, and a signature look. The range of music makes The Hat Guys perfect for most settings including Festivals, Private Parties, Corporate Events and Clubs. The Hat Guys are accomplished musicians, each with many years of experience entertaining in Chicago as well as at a national level. EVERY event and club played to date has asked the group for return performances, typically booking months in advance. Rest assured, this is a band that goes out of its way to ensure a high energy, quality performance and professional business relationship.
7:00pm – Rock Candy
Rock Candy is “Sweetness for your Ears!”. Playing a mix of Dance, Hip Hop, Pop Rock and 80′s, there is definitely something for everyone in this Chicago based party band. With lead singer Molly Callinan, returning from her off broadway debut in The Dirty Dancing Musical, who brings both an incredible voice and a fun performance to the stage. Molly is backed by a band filled with talented musicians who take great pride in the quality of their sounds and the variety of the music they perform. Band members include: Steve Schmidt, Mark Angres, Will Tiu and Gareth Fewel.
9:00pm – Too White Crew
“Old skool hip hop party band” or “The world’s best hip hop party band” Alright STOP. Collaborate an’ LIS-en. Remember when hip hop Talked About Sex? When you could do the Humpty and Bust a Move? Too White Crew does too, and they’re bringin’ back all your favorite hip hop party anthems from the late 80′s and early 90′s. This unique all-live tribute band to the “golden era” of hip hop performs 100% live with no pre-recorded music, so there’s no Milli Vanilli goin’ on here. You’ll be amazed at their energy and how much they sound like all the artists they cover. In case you don’t remember how to do all the dance moves from “back in the day” like the running man, the cabbage patch or the Roger Rabbit, Too White Crew’s choreographed Fly Girls have you covered. Be sure to stretch. We are not responsible for pulled hamstrings or torn rotator cuffs from all you grown-ups trying to break dance.
Sunday, July 3rd
1:00pm – Vinyl Jacket
Lisle’s very own, Vinyl Jacket, is a multi-talented and professional five piece cover band performing the greatest hits from the vinyl era. Based in the Western Suburbs but performing throughout the Greater Chicagoland area, Vinyl Jacket delivers a polished, high energy and fun musical experience. Covering a wide range of musical styles, genres and artists, Vinyl Jacket is sure to please anyone who grew up listening to or grown to love the music from the 60′s, 70′s & early 80′s. Equally adept at performing in venues from clubs and festivals to weddings and private/corporate functions, Vinyl Jacket will provide the perfect musical entertainment to give your community, customers, friends and family a memorable and fun experience.
3:00pm – Pirates Over 40
Since 1999, the “Pirates Over 40″ have been successfully entertaining audiences all over the Midwest with fun and energetic renditions of your Jimmy Buffett favorites mixed in with an ecclectic mix of oldies, reggae and classic rock — all performed in our own uniquely tropical flavored style. From Festivals to Corporate Events, from Private Parties to Neighborhood Clubs, the “Pirates Over 40″ are sure to please when your needs call for a fun-filled atmosphere of a tropical getaway. These seasoned veterans of some of Chicago’s top bands — each with an average of 25 years of performing, touring and recording experience—bring the professionalism and depth of experience that guarantees that the behind the scenes aspects of the show are every bit as smooth and polished as the show itself. The “Pirates Over 40″ are sure to give you an experience you will never forget.
5:00pm – The Personnel
90′s R&B pop is the backbone of the energetic, party-style shows that The Personnel rock all over the Midwest. The best songs, voices and musicianship make The Personnel unlike any other band you’ve ever seen or heard. Dynamic, fun and upbeat music. Prior to launching The Personnel, Seth had played in and around Chicagoland supporting his solo EP releases. Now with a full band, The Personnel is rocking stages and parties with an upbeat and clever approach to every cover song they play. The Personnel keep a busy schedule around the Midwest, having preformed at places such as Summerfest in Milwaukee, House of Blues, Aragon Ballroom and Millennium Park in Chicago.
7:00pm – Maggie Speaks
Chicago’s Maggie Speaks has been changing what people think of cover bands since 1997. Drawing off a huge range of music, Maggie Speaks cranks out an incredible non-stop high-energy show that leaves people breathless. You’ll know every song, but you won’t believe how this band delivers them one after another. Think of it as your favorite mix come to life. Come see Maggie’s ever-changing show and see what cover bands should be. Maggie Speaks performs over five decades of music. All your timeless favorites, from every great time, but never locked in time. They’ll rock your childhood fave, then they’ll tear the roof off with today’s smash. If there’s an emerging trend in music, Maggie Speaks has it covered—mastered. The band is comprised of the finest, top-tier musicians in Chicago, and they bring the city’s pride and soul to audiences nationally.
9:00pm – Wedding Banned
Skip the ceremony and start the party! Wedding Banned is a musical experience, a show, an event and something you will not forget. Like a bat out of hell from Gas City, In., Wedding Banned has become the hottest party in the Midwest; playing all your favorite hits from the 80′s, 90′s and beyond. Wedding Banned picks two members from the audience to become the “bride” and “groom” and turns every show into the ultimate wedding reception. Whether it’s the bride and groom on stage during the garter toss, or beautiful ladies from the audience rocking with the band, you can throw the rules of a traditional rock show out the window. If you want to have one of those, “you should have been there nights,” come and see Wedding Banned!