Lead Singer of Infinity Ready to Rock Keepataw Days

Local tribute band Infinity has been rocking the stage at Lemont's Keepataw Days Festival for more than 20 years—but this year, they say, will be better than ever.

Weekend after weekend, the band plays covers of Journey, REO Speedwagon and other rock classics to sold-out crowds across the Chicagoland area. But Lemont's annual Labor Day festival remains one of the band's favorite gigs, according to lead singer Bob Biagi.

Patch talked to Biagi on Friday about the band's longstanding tradition at Keepataw Days and what concertgoers can expect from Sunday's show.

Patch: How long has Infinity been playing Keepataw Days?

Biagi: It's been so long, I can't even remember. I think it's been like 20 years. We started the band in 1984, and I think we started playing at  shortly after—maybe 1986.

Patch: What do you like about playing shows in Lemont?

Biagi: Lemont knows us, and we know Lemont. We started out practicing in the bowling alley, and Keepataw Days has become one of our favorite gigs of the year. I remember putting on shows in the parking lot of , then under the bridge. They moved us across the street, and I know the beer garden this year is supposed to be bigger and better than ever. We're excited for Sunday.

Patch: What is your favorite thing about Keepataw Days?

Biagi: This is basically the end of the summer for us, and Keepataw Days has that great neighborhood vibe. It's like a big backyard party. We have a blast every year.

Patch: How long have all of the current band members been playing together?

Biagi: I'm currently the only original member. I founded the band back in 1984, and we've had about five member changes in those 27 years. No one has ever left on bad terms or anything. Once you're in Infinity, you're in it for life.

Patch: What prompted you to start the band?

Biagi: I had been playing in bands since I was 17 years old, so I just got together with a bunch of my friends and decided to start Infinity. At the time, tribute bands were huge. We would play two-and a half-hour shows of all Journey music, and people loved it. We've been really lucky that we've been able to continue doing the tribute stuff.

Patch: One of my Patch co-workers said of your band, "Infinity does Journey better than Journey does Journey." What else do you play during your shows?

Biagi: (Laughing.) I don't know if I'd say that, but we've been doing those Journey songs for 27 years now and we certainly love playing them. We cover everything these days, from current rock to Three Dog Night.

Patch: What can concertgoers expect from your show Sunday night?

Biagi: You know, it's different every time. We have three shows this weekend, and we never make a set list. We come out knowing what song we're going to start off with, but then we just see what people want to hear. If people want to rock, we'll rock. If they want to dance, we'll give them something to dance to. We feed off the audience.

The one thing I can guarantee is that they will have a good time. And if I see someone in the audience who isn't having a good time, you better believe I'll be jumping off the stage to make them have a good time.

Infinity will play the main stage from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sunday. For more on the festival, . For more on Infinity, visit the band's website at www.infinity2k.com.