Saint Viator High School, just one year removed from celebrating its 50th anniversary, is taking a big step into the future with the new September Fest on Saturday, Sept. 8. The event will feature food and drink, games, and music by two of Chicagoland’s most recognizable bands: Mike & Joe and American English. It will take place on school grounds from 4-11 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.saintviator.com.
Mike and Joe performing Life is a Highway (originally by Rascal Flatts) on the south stage of Summer on Southport. Our friend Paul came out with his camcorder, and put this video together for us.
For the headlining band Mike & Joe, this is a homecoming of sorts as the Mike is Mike Notaro, a 1989 graduate of Saint Viator.
“It means the world to me to be part of this event and to give back to this community in any way that I can,” said Notaro. “Saint Viator has always been a special place. It is a unique, tight-knit community that I am proud to be a part of. ”
After graduating from Saint Viator, Notaro attended Indiana University and met Joe Valentino. The pair started the band as an acoustic duo in 1991, and since then, they have grown to be one of the most popular cover bands in
the Midwest. “We intend to put on the best possible show for my hometown crowd,” Notaro commented. “These are the events that we look forward to since we have an established connection with the audience. An event like this gives us more of an opportunity to interact with the crowd.”
The Rev. Robert M. Egan, C.S.V., president of Saint Viator, remarked, “September Fest is all about bringing the school and surrounding communities together to celebrate the start of a new school year. We are thrilled to have Mike headlining the event as an alum, but we also are proud that many of our vendors have significant ties to this community.”
The new event will feature food and beverages from local merchants, including Saint Viator alumni from Millrose Restaurant in South Barrington and Katie’s Kitchen in Des Plaines, as well as current parents from Joe Caputo & Sons in Palatine and Harrys’ of Arlington in Arlington Heights.
Entertainment will take place on the main stage. Local Beatles tribute band American English will play from 4:30-6 p.m. Three student bands will each play a set between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Mike & Joe will take the stage at 8:30 p.m.
The grounds will also feature a bag tournament, Kid’s Corner and tents set up for Saint Viator and Sacred Heart of Mary alumni who are celebrating reunion years.
“We’re going to use this party as the gathering place for many of this year’s reunions,” said Jim Murphy, Saint Viator Director of Alumni Relations and 1979 graduate. “The classes of ’72, ’82, ’92 and ’02 will receive VIP treatment at September Fest, and we are really encouraging those classes to generate a big turnout.” expanded into a full, four-piece group and “We hope that families in the surrounding area will join in the celebration,” Fr. Egan added. “September Fest will energize the community for the year ahead.”
In order to alleviate traffic in the neighborhood around the school, shuttle buses will run between the Saint Viator and the Arlington Heights Metra station throughout the event.
Attendees can save by registering online at www.saintviator.com for $20 per ticket. Tickets purchased at the event will be $30. Proceeds from the event will help fund key projects for the coming year.
“This will be a great opportunity for people to meet, share stories, and be inspired to get involved in some way for the year ahead,” said Fr. Egan.
American English play at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, September 8, 2012 at St. Viator SeptemberFest
Mike & Joe band play at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, September 8, 2012 at St. Viator SeptemberFest block party.
See also …
A short clip featuring a glimpse of Mike and Joe’s backstage rehearsal, load-in and live show at John Barleycorn in Schaumburg, IL.
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