REO Speedwagon coming to 2012 Taste of Joliet

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REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin shows off at Ribfest in Naperville. The band will headline the 2012 Taste of Joliet. | Sun-Times Media file photo

Updated: January 9, 2012 9:14AM

JOLIET — REO Speedwagon will play at the 2012 Taste of Joliet.

The Joliet Park District announced this morning that the rock band, which rose to fame in the 1970s and early 1980s, will be the headliner act for the Friday opening night of Taste of Joliet in June.

REO Speedwagon has been among the most requested bands from Taste-goers, said Dominic Egizio, executive director for the Joliet Park District that runs the three-day event. The band’s popularity was evident shortly after the announcement.

“In the first hour, we had 300 hits on the Web site,” Egizio said.

Information about the REO Speedwagon performance and the entire event can be found on www.tasteofjoliet.com.

This is the earliest the park district has announced one of the main acts for Taste of Joliet, which runs June 29 through July 1.

“This is really early,” Egizio said. “We were able to get it all wrapped up, so we thought we would announce it.”

Egizio said Taste of Joliet has gained a reputation as a good venue for performers and their fans, which is helping the district attract the bands it wants. The annual event is held at Memorial Stadium, which can accommodate 20,000 people for a concert.

The band 7th Heaven has been scheduled to open for REO Speedwagon at 6 p.m. REO Speedwagon will play at 9 p.m.

Ticket sales have started. The park district sells 300 tickets for a front section closest to the stage for $30. For all others, the concert comes with the $10 general admission price to Taste of Joliet.