Runaway Freight Train

(Photo caption) Neuqua Valley High School students Ryan Ashe (left) and his brother Conor Ashe (right) play Lynyrd Skynrd's "Free Bird" while fan Connor Boyle jumps on stage during the band's performance Thursday at the Teenage Band showcase at the Lodge at Four Lakes in Lisle. The teens are members of the band Runaway Freight Train.
(Article)...The Teenage Band Showcase was beneficial to the venue as well as the bands, according to Mike C, shift manager at The Lodge. These bands brought us an audience we are not used to having, and we want to tap it," C said. "It's a good way for all of us to get out there and do what we want to do." C said they plan to host at least a few more teen nights. And for those who attended the event, that is music to their ears. "It's a good way to get out and hear great music," said Gina D, who attended the show. One of the bands, Runaway Freight Train, has various teenage friendly gigs arranged in the Naperville area this summer, including Battle of the Bands in downtown Naperville, Naper Days at Naper Settlement, and the Custom Motorcycle Show at The Promenade Bolingbrook. - Naperville Sun

Huey Lewis and the News took the main stage Sunday night at Naperville's Ribfest, performing their hit songs and wrapping up the annual festival.
Just a little earlier, another band heated up the stage.
Drummer Alex Merkley looked like he had been drenched by a bucket of water after banging out drum beats in 80-plus degree weather for half an hour.
"Oh man, that was pretty awesome," Merkley said as he and his band mates, dubbed Runaway Freight Train, descended from the main stage Sunday.
As far as gigs go, Sunday's performance topped the list of venues played by the young band, which also consists of brothers Ryan and Conor Ashe on lead and rhythm guitars and Mason Sass on bass guitar.
The band mates were among three groups selected from more than 30 entries through the park district's annual Battle of the Bands competition, and one of just three selected to play at Ribfest.
The boys were floored to learn they'd made the cut. Last year, the group didn't even make it past the first round.
"We practiced hard for over a month before even sending in our demo tape," said Conor Ashe. "it was tough, but we got it done."
While the group has a play list of original music, Sunday's showcase was focused on covers of Led Zeppelin, The Doors and a host of 1970s classic rock bands.
"We figured people of all ages would like the music," Ryan Ashe said. "We all grew up listening to our parents play these songs at home, so that was a huge influence."
To prep, the band used the Ashe family basement as practice central for the last month, a practice space that was earned by the band through shows they put on in the neighborhood.
Scores of family and friends joined the band, bouncing around the front of the stage during the 30-minute set.
But don't think for a minute the attention has gotten to their heads. Life has a funny way of humbling even the most hardcore of rockers.
"They're actually going to tow our car if we don't finish loading up," Merkely.
- Daily Herald