Steve Miller Band draws crowd of all ages
BY ERIKA WURST ewurst@stmedianetwork.com June 29, 2012 11:04AM
Saturday’s line-up
12:30 to 1:45 p.m.: Joe’s Garage Band
2:15 to 3:30 p.m.: Gurus of Blues
4 to 5:30 p.m.: 7th Heaven
6 to 7:30 p.m.: Heartsfield
8 to 10 p.m.: Joe Walsh
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Updated: November 30, 2012 10:33AM
Friday’s weather wasn’t the only hot part about Naperville Ribfest’s opening day.
There was the food, and the rides, and headlining act The Steve Miller Band, which drew in big crowds as the rain stopped and the humidity kicked in.
The crowd was eclectic, filled with fans both old and young. Their mouths moved in sync, but their bodies didn’t as they belted out the classic tunes of the 1970s crooner.
“We are so excited,” best friends Michelle Alletto and Erin Conlon, both 23, squealed in unison before Miller took the stage.
The friends, from Hinsdale and Western Springs respectively, headed to the25th annual Ribfest with stars in their eyes when they heard about the festival’s opening night act.
“I feel like we’re the only people our age that get it,” Alletto said of the couple’s passion for the classic rock band. “Some of our friends were really excited, and others said, ‘Who’s Steve Miller?’”
But their age didn’t stop these two fans from decking out to show their support. Wearing homemade T-shirts bearing Miller’s name, and American Flag shorts, the girls came in matching outfits to opening day
“Our dads are really into classic older music,” Conlon said of what drew them to the band, and you can’t beat a night of good food, music and friends.
As 8:30 hit, Miller took the stage and the sounds of “Jungle Love” filled the air. Nearly every square inch of sitting room near the stage was taken by eager fans who bobbed up and down to the beats of the song.
After that, it was hit after hit, and the crowd couldn’t get enough. The consensus among the younger fans was that Miller’s 1973 classic “The Joker” was his biggest hit. They got their fix when he played the song towards the end of his nearly two-hour long set.
Other fan favorites included “Take the Money and Run” and “Rock’n Me.” The crowd went wild as they heard the first notes of their favorite tunes. They held their drinks high in the air, and slapped high five with friends.
Throughout the venue, Miller’s music echoed, keeping the heels of each fan tapping as they snacked on ribs, pulled pork sandwiches and Oberweis ice cream. Proceeds to enter the festival go to benefit those affected by domestic violence and child abuse.
“The work the Exchange Club does is amazing,” Miller said to the crowd. “I’m honored to be invited to come play for you and this cause.”
The annual festival continues through July 3 at Knoch Park, 724 S. West St., Naperville. Look for updates here all weekend long and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
