Summer Fun That’s In Concert With Nature

Arboretum Concert Series Amid Trees Features Rock, Pop, Blues, Country, Folk

LISLE, IL (May 31, 2007) – Go green and be part of a hot music scene, all at the same time.

Music fans who attend The Morton Arboretum Twilight Concerts are supporting trees and a greener, healthier environment, while enjoying some of the hottest acts in show business: from veteran blues superstars Lonnie Brooks and Koko Taylor to country rock favorites Poco and Pure Prairie League, to alternative rocker Sister Hazel. And, you can catch a rising star, Josh Kelley, whose melodic style combines folk and pop.

Feel the awesome power of raw emotion when legendary “bluesician” and Chicago superstar Koko Taylor and Her Blues Machine take the stage June 23rd along with fellow blues star Lonnie Brooks, known for hits such as “Voodoo Blues” and “Family Rules.”

“Today’s young people will really like to hear these artists because so much of hip-hop and urban music is based upon blues and jazz,” says Matt LaFollette, manager of Taylor and Brooks.

Taylor, for whom Mayor Daley declared “Koko Taylor Day” in 1993, has earned Grammy nominations for seven of her last eight albums. She is expected to play “Piece of Man” from her newest album, “Old School,” a tribute to the mid-1950s blues style; along with perennial favorites, such as “Wang Dang Doodle.”

Country-rock fans get that “Good Feeling To Know” about beautiful trees and the outdoors when Poco performs on July 14. The band is also well-known for hits such as “Call It Love” and “Pickin’ Up The Pieces.” The other half of the double-bill that night is “Pure Prairie League,” perhaps best known for the chartbusters “Amie” and “Two Lane Highway,” “Let Me Love You Tonight,” and whose album “Bustin’ Out,” was considered a landmark in country music.

“These are groups that sing about the idyllic times and nature,” said Rick Alter, who manages Poco and Pure Prairie League.

“Hazelnuts” can sit near real American hazelnuts at the Arboretum and rock steady with Sister Hazel on August 25th. The band’s music was featured in several movies, and the Song "Where Do You Go" was recently featured in the NBC-TV show, Scrubs. Fans love their energy and incredible spirit as they blend elements of alternative rock, folk and southern rock. On June fifth, Sister Hazel releases the album, “BAM! Volume 1.”

Also on August 25th, the star that People magazine called “the real deal, a genuine talent who brings sincere emotion to his straightforward pop rock.” Josh Kelley will make a rare appearance in the Chicago area. He’s expected to perform at least two songs from his as-yet untitled upcoming album that’s due in September.

For all Twilight concerts, visitors are encouraged to make a day of it: enjoy the Arboretum Children’s Garden, Maze Garden, 14 miles of hiking trails, nine miles of paved roads, and much more, prior to settling down for a concert. Your concert ticket provides free admission to The Arboretum after 3 p.m. on concert day.

The lawn opens at 4:30 p.m., and the first acts begin at 6 p.m.  Guests can order dinner up to 3 p.m. on Thursday prior to each concert, at 630/725-2066. Or, they may select from a delicious assortment of grilled items and beverages at The Ginkgo Grill tent under the trees on the concert lawn.

Tickets for Lonnie Brooks/Koko Taylor or Poco/Pure Prairie League are $23 in advance ($18 for Arboretum members), and $27 on concert day. For Josh Kelley/Sister Hazel, tickets are $28 in advance, ($23 for members) and $32 on concert day. Order online at www.mortonarb.org or in person at the Arboretum Visitor Center, or via phone at 630/725-2066. Parking is free!

The Concert Series Presenting Sponsor is Subaru. Bonterra Vineyards is the Official Wine Sponsor of The Morton Arboretum. Supporting Sponsors are Bud Light, Hilton Lisle/Naperville, and Naperville Magazine.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of 4,057 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier, Central Time. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CDT) and 9:30 to 4 p.m. (CST). Visit www.mortonarb.org or call 630-968-0074 to learn more.

Media Contact:    Gina Tedesco, 630-725-2103, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it