When the Broadway Series began in 2011, we had big dreams for what it could become. Over the years, those dreams have been brought to life again and again. And now, one of our biggest dreams is finally becoming a reality. For the first time in its history, the Paramount Theatre will produce a brand new musical, and this one is all about the music.

Evan Taylor, an 11 year old orphan, believes in music like some believe in fairytales. In a cruel twist of fate, Evan’s mother, an accomplished classical cellist, and his father, the lead singer of a rock band, don’t even know he exists in this world. Even after so many years gone, Evan has not given up hope as he relentlessly searches for the parents he knows need him. Quickly discovering he too is a musical prodigy, Evan surrenders himself to the symphony of sounds and follows the music. In this inspiring love story, music is everywhere, but will it lead Evan home?

From the theatre that won the Jeff Award for “Best Large Musical” three years in a row, the moving story of August Rush is brought to the stage in Paramount Theatre’s first new musical. We invite you to be a part of history and join us for this world premiere. All you have to do is follow the music home…to the Paramount Theatre.

Let the chaos begin! Some of the biggest names in rock are coming to RiverEdge Park to give you a killer once-in-a-lifetime show. They’ll rock you. They’ll give you a surge of adrenaline that will last weeks. They’ll deliver a concert made for head-banging. With an always-revolving roster of superstars, this could be the only time you see these guys play their biggest hits and classic covers together live on stage.

• Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) – This Twisted Sister front man was named as one of the top metal vocalists of all time. It’s Dee Snider. That’s all you need to know.
• Sebastian Bach (The Original Voice of Skid Row) – He delivers just what you want from rock and roll: high energy, a love for the crowd and vocals that send shivers down your spine.
• Warren DeMartini (Ratt) – This Chicago-born rocker, with a guitar that has a voice of its own, is just what you need. VH1 named him one of the most underrated hair-metal guitarists of the 80s. Come see him light it up in person.
• Gilby Clarke (Former Member of Guns N’ Roses) – Having performed with one of the greatest rock bands of all time, Gilby knows a thing or two about rock. Hell, continuing to write those raw rock and roll songs is what keeps him alive.
• Kenny Aronoff – What do John Mellencamp, Bob Seger, Johnny Cash and John Fogerty have in common? All of these rock ‘n’ roll superstars have performed with Kenny Aronoff as their drummer, keeping the beat in the studio or on the road.
• James LoMenzo– He’s played for White Lion and Megadeth and is the go-to bass player for heavy rock, metal and any genre that needs a killer player that can shred a guitar like a piece of paper.

Formally Speed Networking, the Aurora Collective Power Connex is an innovative approach to business networking. Each participant will be assigned to a table and move from business professional to business professional every 2-4 minutes. Quickly grow your business network with face-to-face conversations.

Get your elevator speech ready and bring plenty of business cards!

Ticket includes lunch. Power Connex events are held every 4th Wednesday of the month from 12:00 – 1:30 pm at BLVD Café, 525 Station Blvd, Aurora, IL 60504.

Rick Springfield

Over the past four decades, Rick Springfield has worn many hats as an entertainer and performer. The creator of some of the finest power-pop of the ’80s, a Grammy winning singer, songwriter, and musician who has sold 25 million albums and scored 17 U.S. Top 40 hits, including “Jessie’s Girl,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “An Affair of the Heart,” “I’ve Done Everything for You,” “Love Somebody” and “Human Touch.”

Starship featuring Mickey Thomas

There are arguably no two songs more representative of the 80s than the rock anthem “We Built This City” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.” Starship’s synth pop rock style made them a mainstay on MTV with their undeniably and outrageously 80s music videos. With a voice as strong as it’s ever been, Mickey Thomas will bring you back to a time when hair was big and fun, and rock was even bigger.

Patty Smyth & Scandal

From the electrifying opening chords to that gorgeous voice belting out the chorus, Patty Smyth always sets a tone that means she’s ready to rock with some amazing music. Getting to see Patty perform live is a rare thrill, so make sure you’re at RiverEdge Park when she takes the stage with her phenomenal band Scandal. Get ready to jam and sing along to those hits “The Warrior” and “Goodbye to You.”

The Romantics

No 80s concert would be complete without new wave band The Romantics, best known for their massively popular song “What I Like About You.” These guys pack a powerhouse punch, and when the audience gives it to them, they give it right back with a high-energy and intense set ready to blow you back to the 80s.