Living Colour’s first appearance at Ribfest is a must-hear for music fans, says co-chair Sandy Rocush.  “Their sound is influenced by heavy metal, funk, jazz, hip hop, punk, and alternative rock, and their lyrics are complex and compelling.”  Vernon Reid, the group’s founder, Pete Paulsen offers, is “acknowledged as one of the most creative guitarists in modern rock.”

About Living Colour

For more than thirty years, the members of Living Colour have created, recorded and performed their own brand of heavy rock that draws as much inspiration from yesteryear soul men and rock gods as they do from post-bop jazz and boulevard shaking hip-hop. Founded by guitarist Vernon Reid back when he was still a dreadlocked sideman with Ronald Shannon Jackson and other East Village noise ensembles, Living Colour includes vocalist Corey Glover, drummer Will Calhoun and bassist Doug Wimbish.

Vernon Reid, the group’s founder and guitarist, muses, “To me, there seems to be a shadow cast across our collective lives. We can either allow it to oppress us or we can shine a light on it,” concludes Reid. “‘Shade’, our album released in 2018, is the sound of a band coming to terms with the shadows and shining a light by using the blues as a mirror.”

This year’s lineup for Ribfest 2019 on the Navistar Main Stage includes Billy Idol - Living Colour July 3rd, Flo Rida with fireworks by Meijer July 4th, and Brantley Gilbert July 5th.  The July 6th headliner will be announced soon.  Tickets are available at ribfest.net. This year’s grand sponsors include ABC7 Chicago, Navistar, Meijer, Naperville Bank & Trust, a Wintrust Community Bank, Jewel- Osco, Nathan’s Famous Beef Franks, Pella, Gnarly Head, Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group, Guaranteed Rate, Truly Spiked & Sparkling, Great Lakes Coca-Cola, Miller Lite, Euclid Beverage, D&J Amusements, Jeep, RAM, 95.9 The River and Groot Industries.

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.