Swedish Days 2012 Entertainment Line-Up—From ABBA to 7th Heaven

Geneva Chamber of Commerce’s 63rd  Annual Swedish Days Festival presented by Cadence Health runs from June 19-24 and has an array of talent that offers something for every type of music fan.

“We’ve brought back some favorites and invited some special newcomers to continue our tradition of quality entertainers for all types of music lovers,” noted Jean Gaines, president of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce. “The Central Stage line up this year is once again great—everyone will get a chance to enjoy different types of musical entertainment throughout the week.”

Mike & Joe, at 7:30 p.m., kick off six days of free entertainment. The vocal four-piece cover band performs alternative and modern rock music from the ‘90s through today. Mike & Joe have successfully pleased more festival audiences than most bands in the country. With a new set list for every performance, the excitement level Tuesday evening on Third Street Geneva will be high.

At 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday the semifinalists from “” will perform. Cheer and carry your favorite to the Saturday night finals, by voting on Facebook. Stick around after, for some Dancing Queen and Waterloo with ABBA Salute. Fronted by two dynamic ladies and backed by a group of world-class musicians, the music of the greatest pop band in history comes to life in a Las Vegas type show that mesmerizes the viewer, both young and old alike.  Starting at 8 p.m. enjoy the re-created ABBA experience that won't soon be forgotten.

On Thursday, make your way downtown for the Motown sounds of the award-winning band, The Moods. This singing group, consisting of four guys dedicated to the fine art of harmony and choreography, have been recording and performing since 1995, entertaining across the country and abroad.  Show starts at 7:30 pm.

Friday “evening” starts at 4 p.m. when Radio Disney AM 1300 will join in on the fun hosting a concert with Chicago (Bartlett)-native Shealeigh, Radio Disney's Season Four "N.B.T." (Next BIG Thing) winner. The Radio Disney AM 1300 Road Crew will provide interactive entertainment and prizes from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Shealeigh will take the stage at 5:30 p.m. followed by a public meet and greet session with fans. (Talent can only meet as many fans as time permits.)

Your eyes won’t believe your ears as 7th Heaven gets the crowd jumpin’ at 8 p.m. Setting attendance records across the tri-state region, 7th Heaven started in 1985 and is one of the biggest and busiest indie bands in the world. Dance, sing and have fun with the band everyone will be buzzin about this summer. 

The festival’s entertainment concludes Saturday evening with “Geneva’s Got Talent” finalists, starting at 6:30. Voted into the competition by you, come see who takes home the $1,000 cash prize.

The Saturday evening excitement continues at 8 p.m. when Hi Infidelity takes Central Stage. This cover band, voted Best Cover Band for six consecutive years by Suburban NiteLife Magazine, plays music of all types, but mostly from the '80s rock period. Going to a Hi Infidelity show is a total concert experience from start to finish. 

If you have some time around lunch, don’t miss “Concerts on the Lawn." This ever popular midday musical event is adding another day to the mix, now being held Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. The line-up includes the talents of groups Ellus Bellus and Swings n’ Arrows along with soloists Dennis O’Brien and The Wandering Endorphin—Jim Green.

All evening concerts will be held at the Central Stage and Concerts on the Lawn are during the day in front of the courthouse. Both venues are at the intersection of South Third and James streets

Festival brochures will be available in May at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce office, or visit our Web site at www.genevachamber.com for more details.