CHIT-CHAT: The original voice of The Buckinghams returns to Chicago for a classic rock performance in Lisle

Be ready to set your eyes to the skies and the stage this weekend when Chicago native and legendary performer Dennis Tufano returns to the city for a Fourth of July performance full of classic rock favorites at Lisle’s Eyes To The Skies Fest.

Dennis Tufano will perform with The Cryan' Shames and Ronnie Rice at the Lisle Eyes To The Sky Festival around 5 p.m. Saturday. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LINDA MATLOW

You’re living in LA now, what are you currently working on?
I’m working on a Bobby Darin tribute show. It’s somewhat of a quartet and a variety show. We bring his musical documentary to the stage, and I feel like I’m doing a service to him. It’s very fulfilling. As a singer, I couldn’t ask for better material. Occasionally I go off and do classic rock shows with half Buckingham hits and the other half Bobby Darin music. The phone has been ringing off the hook for these shows.

How did you get to be a part of the Cryan’ Shames?
We’ve worked together for years, and whenever they get a gig in the Midwest I try to work with them. They first contacted me back in the ‘90s where we did a package show at the Merrillville Star Theatre with all the lead singers from Chicago bands, kind of a throwback to the old days. I feel blessed that I’m able to do the oldies and also the new stuff, and that I can still sing!

What’s the best part about performing and doing classic rock?
There’s not as much work now with the economy, but each show and every hour on stage is timeless. I enjoy talking to people afterwards to get their feedback, that’s always good. Classic rock is fun, it’s just been around for so long. People connect to it even though we are so far removed from it, it makes you feel humble and you realize how you’ve affected people’s lives. The older you get the more you appreciate the impact you had on people, it makes you feel good.

How does it feel to be coming back to Chicago?
Well I’m a little bit apprehensive of the humidity! I do remember some very sweaty Julys! But I’m always excited to come back to Chicago, the city has changed so much, every time I come I have to rediscover it, it’s always brand new! The skyline and the architecture blows my mind. I have a few days down time there, so I’ll run around downtown and take pictures. I still have family there too, it’ll be like a great big Italian family reunion.

What will the performance in Lisle be like?
I’ll be doing some Buckingham hits and some Bobby Darin songs, kind of a rock medley. It’s a real bouncy show. I also try to do music besides the hits, I do music that I enjoy from that period of time and I think it makes for an interesting classic rock show.

HEAR THEM PLAY
WHAT Chicago Gold Revue, Dennis Tufano concert performance with The Cryan' Shames and Ronnie Rice
WHERE Lisle Eyes To The Skies Fest, 1825 Short St., Lisle ; www.eyestotheskies.org
WHEN 5 p.m. Saturday
HOW MUCH $3, children are free