Naperville Ribfest: Brantley Gilbert

Naperville Ribfest will be sizzling with the sounds of country music hitmaker Brantley Gilbert.  The singer/songwriter will take the Navistar Main Stage on Friday, July 5th.  “We’re always thrilled to get a performer of Brantley Gilbert’s caliber,” says Sandy Rocush, 2019 Ribfest co-chair along with Pete Paulsen.  “Brantley Gilbert’s music has so much depth. It’s the best of country:  fabulous music with rich and real storytelling.  We can’t wait to hear him.”  For Paulsen, Brantley Gilbert is an ideal selection for Ribfest 2019.  “His talent is only exceeded by his philanthropy.  He’s performed USO tours and headlined a benefit for families of servicemen. He’s met countless Make a Wish kids.  Someone with a heart for others makes him a great fit for Ribfest. He’ll bring a party for our mission.” Brantley Gilbert tickets will go on sale Friday, February 8th, at 10am through ribfest.net.  Tickets are already on sale for Billy Idol’s July 3rd performance at Ribfest.  Current Ribfest 2019 Grand Sponsors include ABC7 Chicago, Great Lakes Coca-Cola, D & J Amusements, Jewel-Osco, Miller Lite, Euclid Beverage, Nathan’s Famous Beef Franks, and Navistar.  July 4th fireworks will again be sponsored by Meijer.

About Brantley Gilbert

Brantley Gilbert lives in Jefferson, Georgia because it’s home. Or, as he sings in “Grown Ass Man” from his platinum Just As I Am, “I got a home.” That home is rich with life, truth, friends, history –and those are the raw materials that have made Gilbert one of only four country artists with back-to-back platinum certified albums. For Gilbert, who won the 2014 American Music Award for Favorite Country Album for Just As I Am, every album is another chapter in the life the unrepentant good ole boy has led. Whether it’s raising hell, standing tall or bottoming out, Gilbert’s truth speaks to the heart of blue-collar life in the 21st century: hard working, fun loving and deeply committed to the people he loves. With The Devil Don’t Sleep, the songwriter/rocker delivers sixteen songs that consider life after letting go of the bottle. But this is not a sober record: it takes on love, getting the girl back, finding the thrill in the moment, standing up for those you love and remaining vigilant in a world filled with temptations and bad deals. “Every love song I’ve ever written,” the man nominated for the CMA Song of the Year for Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem” admits shyly, “has been about my wife. Meeting her, loving her, losing her –and getting her back. Life takes you a lot of places, but how I felt about Amber never really changed. “The rest of the album are songs from my life. ‘Bro Code’ isn’t what you think. It’s putting a guy on notice about how he’s treating his girlfriend –and ‘Bullet In A Bonfire’ tells an abusive old boyfriend how it’s gonna be. To me, that’s what it means to be a man: stand up for the people who need it, especially women.”

Gates open at 12pm July 3rd for the absolute best midwestern 4th of July outdoor concert series.

FAQs

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Here’s the deal. It’s a great deal. Think of it as FREE customized transport to Ribfest. In June, check ribfest.net for the 2019 free parking & free shuttle information. TL/DR: Not a lot of close-in parking.

What can I bring into the event?

Yourself. If you’re general admission, bring a chair and blanket. Bring a hat, sunscreen and one 1-liter bottle of water per guest. We LOVE babies. Strollers, wagons and baby food are just dandy. No coolers, outside food or beverage (except as noted above). Leave Fido at home. No weapons or fireworks. No zombies.

Kids’ Admission

North Park Access (where the Navistar Main Stage is located)

General admission which includes access to the North (Navistar Main Stage) and South Parks: All patrons ages 2+ need a ticket.

Front of Stage: Not recommended for children.

VIP ticket: Children 11& under admitted free to North Park and VIP area plus South Park when accompanied by an adult with VIP admission.

Skybox: All patrons ages 2+ need a ticket.

South Park (no access to Navistar Main Stage)

Children 11 and under are admitted to the South Park free when accompanied by an adult.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Ticket questions? tickets@ribfest.net

General questions? info@ribfest.net

Want to be a sponsor or have a product activation at Ribfest? sponsors@ribfest.net

What’s the refund policy?

You will be purchasing a ticket to an outdoor, charitable event in a temporary setting. In the event of any closures or non-performance by artists, all sales remain final. Thank you for supporting our mission and thank you for understanding.

About Exchange Club of Naperville and Ribfest

Exchange, America’s Service Club, is a group of men and women working together to make our communities better places to live through programs of service in Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities, and its national program—the Prevention of Child Abuse.  Exchange Club of Naperville chartered in 1987.  Mission-driven and volunteer run, Exchange Club of Naperville’s Ribfest is a premier Midwestern 4th of July concert series and celebration. Ribfest, in its 32nd year, now draws more than 150,000 visitors annually.  Net proceeds from Ribfest directly support 50+ agencies that work tirelessly to eliminate child abuse and domestic violence in all forms. To date, Exchange has donated over $17.5 million to these agencies.