One of Whitesnake’s big hits is a tune called “Here I Go Again,” which might serve as an appropriate theme song for the outdoor concert coming up on July 17 at Vasa Park in South Elgin.

St. Charles music entrepreneur Ron Onesti had hoped to put together a July outdoor concert series at the Kane County Government Center in Geneva, but the Kane County Forest Preserve District Board turned down the proposal, citing concerns about wetland issues at the Gunnar Anderson Forest Preserve, as well as crowd control and timing of the event.

The event was to be called MIG FEST, with the MIG standing for “Music in Geneva,” but the Geneva City Council, while generally endorsing the idea, decided not to grant Onesti’s request for $10,700 of in-kind police traffic control.

That forced Onesti to go back to the drawing board for a location, and Onesti feels he has come up with just the right place — and right combination of talent. In addition to headliners Whitesnake, the event will feature ’70s rockers Foghat. The relocated event has a new name, as well: “Arcada Under the Stars.”

“In a market that has so many outdoor concert experiences to choose from, I am so excited to have found the perfect venue that embraces the warmth of a personal experience with an outdoor flair,” said Onesti, CEO and president of the Arcada Theatre.

“The shows I produce have a safe, clean and intimate feel, and Vasa Park in South Elgin emulates that,” Onesti added. “The sheer amount of parking immediately connected to the venue is exciting in and of itself. Add to it the permanent restrooms, bars and the backdrop of the beautiful Fox River, and you have the ultimate concert experience.”

With its 62-year history, Vasa Park is located at 35W217 Route 31 in South Elgin and is widely known for its internationally lauded Scandinavian Day Festival, which draws thousands each summer.

The first installment of what is planned to be an Onesti Entertainment Corporation series held at VASA Park will be a much coveted performance by English rockers Whitesnake on Friday, July 17. Hits including “Here I Go Again,” “Is This Love,” and “Still of the Night,” are expected to draw nearly 5,000. The show begins at 7 p.m.

David Coverdale, original founder and vocalist, will lead the band. Coverdale was also lead vocalist in Deep Purple prior to his Whitesnake fame.

As an added bonus, ’70s rockers Foghat have been added to the bill, with hits including “Slow Ride,” “I Just Wanna Make Love to You.”

Reserved seats and lawn seating are on sale now at www.oshows.com or by phone at 630-962-7000. Tickets start at $15.

The Arcada Theatre is located at 105 E. Main St. in downtown St. Charles.

SOURCE: Arcada Theatre press release