Some Naperville residents took to social media over the weekend to protest country singer Toby Keith’s scheduled opening-night performance at Naperville Ribfest, calling him "polarizing" because he participated in President Donald Trump’s inauguration festivities.
The Exchange Club of Naperville, the host of Ribfest, announced Friday that Keith is scheduled to perform on the Ribfest main stage June 30. Some Naperville residents decried the choice too political, citing Keith’s Jan. 19 performance at Trump’s pre-inauguration concert in Washington, D.C. They also argue some of Keith’s lyrics are inappropriate.
The Exchange Club’s decision to bring Keith to Ribfest was "disappointing" as the organization raises money to help eliminate child abuse and domestic violence, Naperville resident Amy Kakkuri said.
"In the current political climate, it seemed overtly polarizing and political," Kakkuri said. "It would have been short-sighted for them to not expect this reaction."
On Tuesday, the Exchange Club confirmed with a Facebook post that Keith will remain their June 30 headliner.
"Ribfest talent is negotiated and selected months in advance of the event," the Facebook post read. "At no time does the Exchange Club of Naperville make any political statement or endorsement. At no time are artists booked based on their political beliefs or actions."
The post also said any Facebook post added to their page that is "politically charged or not focused on Ribfest will be removed."
Naperville resident Pamela Mikulcik criticized the Exchange Club for removing her Facebook comment and said the nonprofit organization should allow people to voice their opinions on the event.
Toby Keith to play 2017 Naperville Ribfest Erin Hegarty
Country musician Toby Keith will be the main stage act on the opening night of this year’s Naperville Ribfest.
Keith, known for such songs as “Red Solo Cup” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,is scheduled to take the Navistar Main Stage June 30. Tickets for the show go on sale at 10 a.m….
Country musician Toby Keith will be the main stage act on the opening night of this year’s Naperville Ribfest.
Keith, known for such songs as “Red Solo Cup” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,is scheduled to take the Navistar Main Stage June 30. Tickets for the show go on sale at 10 a.m….
(Erin Hegarty)
"I think it’s important that the dialogue is out there so we think twice about the meaning of lyrics and how people might respond to booking artists who sing those lyrics," Mikulcik said.
In a statement to Entertainment Weekly in January, Keith said he would not apologize for playing for the country or the military. He noted that he performed at events for presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama in addition to hundreds of USO shows in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Keith in August declined to tell the Chicago Tribune who he was voting for in the November election. "This election, I don’t think it makes a difference. I can’t believe there’s 300 million Americans in this country, and we’ve got these two as our final two. It’s absolutely crazy," Keith said.
Keith isn’t quite a stranger to Naperville as he who brought his then-new country stardom to the stage during the Naperville Jaycees’ Last Fling in 1997.
After attending Naperville Ribfest on-and-off for years, Kakkuri said she will not be attending this year’s event. "I vote with my pocketbook," Kakkuri said. "My money will be going to a different charity this year."
Ribfest memories captured in photos
Ribfest 2016 is but a memory now. The ribs and beer and ice cream consumed, the rides ridden, the games played and the music enjoyed. But like any good memory – and by all accounts a record number of people experienced the four-day fest put on for the 29th consecutive year by the Exchange Club…
Ribfest 2016 is but a memory now. The ribs and beer and ice cream consumed, the rides ridden, the games played and the music enjoyed. But like any good memory – and by all accounts a record number of people experienced the four-day fest put on for the 29th consecutive year by the Exchange Club…
Read the story
The City of Naperville is not involved in planning for Ribfest, said Linda LaCloche, spokeswoman for the City of Naperville. "I have not heard of any complaints coming our way," LaCloche said. "We would direct them to the Ribfest organizers if that was to happen."
The city does give a Special Events & Cultural Amenities grant to the Exchange Club annually to help pay for city services during Ribfest. The Exchange Club has requested a $170,251 grant that would include $153,682.51 for city services, $12,080 for garbage, $3,688 for a fencing and $800 for EMT services. Naperville City Council members will vote on the grant in April.
ehegarty@tribpub.com
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