Blues

May 2024

Eric Gales

Eric Gales is a blues firebrand. Over 30 years and 18 albums, his passion for the music and his boundless desire to keep it vital has never waned, even when his own light dimmed due to his substance struggles. Throughout it all, he continued to reinvigorate the art form with personal revelation in his lyrics and bold stylistic twists in his guitar playing and songwriting. On his album "Provogue", Eric opens like never before, sharing his struggles with substance abuse, his hopes about a new era of sobriety and unbridled creativity, and his personal reflections on racism. The songs are delivered with clarity and feature Eric's personal experiences and hope for positive change. In addition, the 16-track collection boasts his finest singing, songwriting, and his signature guitar playing that burns throughout. Produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, this is Eric at his most boldly vulnerable, uncompromisingly political, and unflinchingly confident.
05 May
7:00 PM
Arcada Theatre
105 E. Main St., St. Charles IL 60174

Blood, Sweat and Tears

No one can argue BS&T invented a new style of music. Blood, Sweat & Tears is not the first band to ever use a horn section, but they are the first to fuse it with rock, jazz, and some blues thrown in for good measure. Blood Sweat & Tears has had many configurations over its 50 plus years of touring but one thing for sure is that the music is timeless, and fans are never disappointed. Blood Sweat & Tears takes young musicians and prepares them for life in the music industry. Notable hits include "You've Made Me So Very Happy", "Spinning Wheel," "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know," "I Can't Quit Her," and so many more!
17 May
8:00 PM
Arcada Theatre
105 E. Main St., St. Charles IL 60174

Guitarist Tab Benoit

One of the most impressive guitarists to emerge from the rich Bayous of Southern Louisiana in recent years, Tab Benoit’s guitar tone can be recognized before his Otis-Redding-ish voice resonates from the speakers. He doesn’t rely on any effects and his set up is simple. It consists of a guitar, cord, and Category 5 Amplifier. The effects that you hear come from his fingers.  Hear top hits including "I Put A Spell On You", "Night Train", "Shelter Me", " Heart of Stone", and so much more!
26 May
5:00 PM
Arcada Theatre
105 E. Main St., St. Charles IL 60174
June 2024

Los Lonely Boys

Family has always been at the center of things for Los Lonely Boys. Henry, Jojo, and Ringo Garza have been playing and touring together since they were teenagers. After a brief break, the Summer 2022 saw them back at it again, returning to life on the road alongside The Who. The story of how the Garza brothers rode their bluesy “Texican rock & roll” sound from San Angelo, Texas, to worldwide fame is one of rock’s great Cinderella tales. The three young brothers formed a band, got signed to a major label, and had a hit single that propelled them to stardom. Notable songs include "Heaven", "More Than Love," " Nobody Else", " Velvet Sky," and so many more!!
22 Jun
8:00 PM
Arcada Theatre
105 E. Main St., St. Charles IL 60174
July 2024
August 2024

Ultimate Elvis Experience featuring Shawn Klush and Cody Ray Slaughter

The Youngest Winner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, Cody Ray Slaughter will join Shawn Klush at the 'Ultimate Elvis Experience'! Don't miss this dynamic combination of entertainers with not 1 but 2 of Graceland's Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artists on the same stage celebrating the music, the magic, and the memory of the King of Rock n Roll.    
30 Aug
8:00 PM
Arcada Theatre
105 E. Main St., St. Charles IL 60174
September 2024

Kenny Wayne Shepherd: Dirt on my Diamonds Tour

Fresh off the release of his latest studio album, 'Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1,' the five-time Grammy-nominated guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd has announced additional dates to his current nationwide tour. The new schedule includes a special free festival appearance at the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, WI, on July 25, followed by performances at the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids, IA, on July 26, Brown County PAC in Nashville, IN, on July 27, the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, NJ, on August 7, and the Casino Ballroom in Hampton Beach, NH, on August 8, with the latter featuring support from blues legend Jimmie Vaughan. These dates promise to deliver the high-energy, deeply emotional performances that fans have come to expect from Shepherd, showcasing his unparalleled guitar skills and his unique blend of blues and rock. The announcement comes on the heels of Shepherd’s latest studio achievement, 'Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1,' a career highlight that has quickly captured the attention of blues enthusiasts and critics alike. Available now for purchase and on all digital platforms, the album is a sonic exploration that sees Shepherd venturing beyond the traditional confines of blues. This latest work features a compelling mix of tracks that delve into life's complexities, weaving tales of loss, love, and redemption against a backdrop of intricate guitar work and soul-stirring vocals. Written at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, 'Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1' represents a pivotal moment in Shepherd's career. The album blends modern urban influences with the traditional undercurrents of blues, a testament to Shepherd's creative evolution and his commitment to pushing the genre's boundaries. From the gritty title track "Dirt On My Diamonds" to the reflective "Sweet & Low" and the empowering "Best of Times," each song offers a fresh perspective on blues music, infused with Shepherd's signature sound. Reflecting on the album, Shepherd has expressed that 'Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1' is more than just a collection of songs; it's a narrative of personal growth and artistic exploration. "Every record I make is a moment in time, and this is a really special moment," says Shepherd. The album's creation was a collaborative effort, marked by days of non-stop writing with his favorite co-writers, where "nothing was off-limits." This approach allowed for a richly diverse album that, while exploring socio-political narratives, maintains the core essence of blues. Shepherd aimed to craft an album that uplifts rather than dwells in darkness, a goal that resonates throughout the tracks. With 'Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1,' Kenny Wayne Shepherd continues to redefine the blues genre, offering listeners a deep, introspective look into life's imperfections through his music. 
12 Sep
8:00 PM
Arcada Theatre
105 E. Main St., St. Charles IL 60174
October 2024

Kings X // Vinnie Moore

After a sold-out show in 2023, King’s X is an Arcada Theatre favorite that returns with its powerful progressive metal, funk and soul with vocal arrangements influenced by gospel, blues, and British Invasion rock groups.  With a cult-following, deep-meaning lyrics and rockin-loud riffs, King’s X was ranked No. 83 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock! Notable hits include "Out of the Silent Planet", "Lost In Germany", "Life Going By", and so many more!  Once Vinnie Moore picked up his first guitar at the age of 12, he became, as he describes it, a “guitar freak.” His earliest influences included - among others - Jeff Beck, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Queen. As a performer, Vinnie Moore's resume is impressive! A member of Alice Cooper's band, he toured the U.S. on the Operation Rock 'N Roll tour, and also performed on Alice’s album Hey Stoopid. Vinnie’s own band has toured extensively as a headliner and also was chosen as opening act for legendary rockers Rush on the Northeast leg of their Roll The Bones Tour. In 2003, Vinnie joined the legendary group UFO and remains with the group today.  
12 Oct
8:00 PM
Arcada Theatre
105 E. Main St., St. Charles IL 60174
November 2024

PRE-SHOW VIP UPGRADE EXPERIENCE: Wishbone Ash

The classic rock bands of the late ’60s and early ’70s enjoy a unique place in popular musical history. The Beatles had gone their separate ways, Britain had already experienced the Blues Boom, and Psychedelia had made its impact. The creative possibilities were infinite. Wishbone Ash embarked on the nascent Progressive Rock scene in 1969, taking full advantage of a fertile musical environment where they produced a distinctive brand of melodic rock. Inspired equally by British folk traditions and American jazz and R&B, the group played to public and critical acclaim. Fifty plus years later, having pioneered the use of twin lead guitars, Wishbone Ash has gained worldwide recognition, based firmly on a regime of relentless touring. The band includes founding member Andy Powell, who handles lead vocals and trades licks with Yorkshire’s Mark Abraha, Bassist Bob Skeat, a 25-year veteran of the band, drives the rhythm section along with Joe Crabtree, one of the best of Britain’s new breed of drummers. Recording highlights are, of course, the multi-million selling 1972 album “Argus,” considered to be one of the all-time classic rock albums, together with “Pilgrimage” (1971) and “New England” (1976). More recently, “The Power of Eternity” (2007), “Elegant Stealth” (2011) and “Blue Horizon” (2014) garnered enthusiastic praise. It was not until 2019 that the album Coat of Arms was to be released and that has proved to be a real career-capper. The band’s biggest seller, the double album “Live Dates” (1973), is one of the most highly rated live albums of the 1970s.
22 Nov
6:00 PM
Arcada Theatre
105 E. Main St., St. Charles IL 60174

Wishbone Ash: “Wish List Tour”

The classic rock bands of the late ’60s and early ’70s enjoy a unique place in popular musical history. The Beatles had gone their separate ways, Britain had already experienced the Blues Boom, and Psychedelia had made its impact. The creative possibilities were infinite. Wishbone Ash embarked on the nascent Progressive Rock scene in 1969, taking full advantage of a fertile musical environment where they produced a distinctive brand of melodic rock. Inspired equally by British folk traditions and American jazz and R&B, the group played to public and critical acclaim. Fifty plus years later, having pioneered the use of twin lead guitars, Wishbone Ash has gained worldwide recognition, based firmly on a regime of relentless touring. The band includes founding member Andy Powell, who handles lead vocals and trades licks with Yorkshire’s Mark Abraha, Bassist Bob Skeat, a 25-year veteran of the band, drives the rhythm section along with Joe Crabtree, one of the best of Britain’s new breed of drummers. Recording highlights are, of course, the multi-million selling 1972 album “Argus,” considered to be one of the all-time classic rock albums, together with “Pilgrimage” (1971) and “New England” (1976). More recently, “The Power of Eternity” (2007), “Elegant Stealth” (2011) and “Blue Horizon” (2014) garnered enthusiastic praise. It was not until 2019 that the album Coat of Arms was to be released and that has proved to be a real career-capper. The band’s biggest seller, the double album “Live Dates” (1973), is one of the most highly rated live albums of the 1970s.
22 Nov
8:00 PM
Arcada Theatre
105 E. Main St., St. Charles IL 60174
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