Plain White T’s return to rock BenFest at Benedictine University

Back by popular demand, the Plain White T’s will headline Benedictine University’s BenFest 2013 festivities on Saturday, August 24. 

Recording artist and first season finalist on NBC’s “The Voice,” Vicci Martinez will open the concert at the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex. Her latest self-titled album includes the single, “Come Along,” featuring Grammy winner Cee Lo Green. 

Tickets go on sale Monday, July 15 and can be purchased at www.ben.edu/BenFest. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Buyers will have the choice between football stadium seating or standing-room-only tickets along the stadium track.

The Plain White T's were founded in 1997 – 10 years before their Grammy-nominated single “Hey There Delilah” put them on the musical map. Lead singer Tom Higgenson, who lives in Elmhurst, was playing drums in various high school bands when he met bassist Ken Fletcher. The two became friends and launched their own band with Dave Tirio taking over on drums.

The band’s current roster features Higgenson on vocals, Willowbrook High School graduate Tirio on rhythm guitar and backup vocals, Austin, Texas, product Tim Lopez on guitars, Bucktown resident De’Mar Hamilton on drums and Chicagoan Mike Retondo on bass.

“Hey There Delilah” was the group’s breakout hit, gaining steam in late 2006 and early 2007, eventually topping the charts in 10 countries by summer 2007. It was the first drumless song to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in years. In 2008, the band released “Big Bad World,” a return-to-roots effort.

The single “Rhythm of Love,” off the band’s sixth album, “Wonder of the Younger,” made its debut at No. 96 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart. 

The band’s newest EP was released on April 9 and includes four songs, “Should’ve Gone to Bed,” “The Giving Tree,” “Helium” and “Haven’t Told Her.”

The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. Gates open at 6:00 p.m.