
Elle King will take the main stage at Ribfest July 5. - Courtesy of Exchange Club of Naperville
Elle King, Cold War Kids join Fitz and the Tantrums on Ribfest bill
Ribfest crowds will be singing along to the “Ex’s and the oh, oh, oh’s” when soulful singer-songwriter Elle King performs her heartbreaker hit at the July festival during its first run in Romeoville.
Organizers announced Monday that King and California indie rockers Cold War Kids will join a more eclectic lineup as Ribfest moves away from aging rockers to alt-radio favorites, rappers and country bands.
Fitz and The Tantrums marked the first alternative group coming to the 33rd edition of Ribfest, a summer tradition moving from Naperville to Romeoville’s village hall and recreation center.
The band behind “The Walker,” “Out Of My League,” and “HandClap” will headline Sunday, July 5.
Cold War Kids and King also are performing that night from the fest’s main stage.
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Ribfest lineup branches out into alternative with Fitz and the Tantrums
Known for their 2014 alternative chart-topper “First,” Cold War Kids have added summer tour dates promoting the first two installments of a planned album trilogy. The band released the first volume, “New Age Norms 1,” in November.
“Who’s Gonna Love Me Now” is their first single of “New Age Norms 2,” featuring producer Shawn Everett, a five-time Grammy Award-winner who’s worked with Kacey Musgraves, Alabama Shakes and The War on Drugs.
King gained fame with “Ex’s & Oh’s” off her debut studio album, “Love Stuff,” in 2015. The 30-year-old also is the daughter of comedian-actor Rob Schneider.
Rounding out the Ribfest lineup is REO Speedwagon and Styx with Head East on July 2, and Nelly with Jesse McCartney on July 4. Organizers next week expect to announce a country concert for July 3.
Tickets went on sale Monday morning at Ribfest.net.
Exchange Club of Naperville runs Ribfest to raise funds for charities that work to end child abuse and domestic violence.