Aurora brings legends to Blues on the Fox
Cameras flashing, fans screaming and speakers blaring.
Just another day in the life of a rock star.
But on Saturday, June 18, as part of downtown Aurora's Blues on the Fox festival, 20 students from Hix Brothers Music, 4315 Westbrook Drive in Aurora, will get to experience what it's like to be a legend.
“It's great for the kids to be able to get onstage with a 60,000-watt PA system and back line, just like the stars,” said Peter Hix, one of the founders of Hix Brothers Music. “It's a big opportunity for anybody to be in front of that big a venue and that much press.”
The Blues on the Fox festival, sponsored by the Paramount Theatre, begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 17, and continues at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 18, in a new location at North River Street Park at New York and River streets.
The Hix Brothers Junior All-Stars, a group of exceptional youngsters chosen from the store's more than 700 students, have performed at Blues on the Fox for the past five years.
As the festival has tried to become increasingly kid-friendly, Hix offered his students' talent to help bridge the gap.
“We were putting groups of kids together to do recitals and stuff with the Rock U program,” Hix said. “And I suggested that maybe we should allow the younger kids to play and inspire other kids to learn an instrument.”
Through the Rock U program, Hix Brothers Music hosts three rock recitals a year where teachers recommend talented students to form pint-size rock bands, Hix said.
Part of the Downtown Alive! festival series, Blues on the Fox is quickly becoming one of Aurora's most anticipated summer events, both for the students of Hix Brothers Music and the community.
“It's going to be a great night away if you can pull yourself away from the television or get a night alone with your significant other,” said Tim Rater, executive director at the Paramount Theatre.
What began in 1999 as a Friday night concert series has transformed into a two-day festival in downtown Aurora, attracting roughly 20,000 music fans each year.
This year, the festival features the award-winning Robert Cray Band and blues legend Buddy Guy, along with Eric Lindell, Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues, Kenny Neal and Charlie Musselwhite.
“A lot of our opening acts are headliners at other festivals” Rater said. “We're the best of the best. Some of our acts even rival the Chicago Blues Festival.”
Previously located in front of the Paramount Theatre, Blues on the Fox has moved to a breezier venue adjacent the Hollywood Casino.
Gates open 30 minutes before the start of the first show each day. Blues lovers 13 and older will be charged an entrance fee of $5 per day.
Organizers of Blues on the Fox recommend that festival-goers bring their own seating, a lawn chair or blanket, as benches and picnic tables are limited.
“We've got some great food vendors,” Rater said. “There's been a lot of buzz.”
To keep everyone satiated, the Eat, Drink and Wear It area of the festival will feature a food court showcasing Aurora restaurants, libations sponsored by the Euclid Beverage Company, and festival merchandise such as posters and apparel.
After the festival ends each evening, the Hollywood Casino will feature free performances by Guy King, and area restaurants will showcase more live music and festivities until 3 a.m.
Rain or shine the show will go on, allowing music lovers to sit back, admire the scenic view over the Fox River and groove to the blues no matter what.
“The lineup is as exciting as it could possibly be,” Rater said. “It's going to be a wild, wild time.”