Family Weekend visitors will be entertained by the sounds of the band Chicago Saturday.

Chicago was one of many bands that the Eastern Parents Club voted to perform during Family Weekend.

Ceci Brinker, the director of Student Life, said Chicago was chosen by a random survey given to the Parents’ Club last spring.

“Chicago have always consistently been frequently requested and ranked in our top three choices among EIU parents in our random sampling Family Weekend surveys over the years due to their wide musical appeal and popularity,” Brinker said.

Brinker said Chicago was the majority favorite of the entertainment options that included: Reo Speedwagon; Steve Miller Band; Crosby, Stills, and Nash; Bill Cosby; and Huey Lewis and The News.

“Chicago is one of the “legendary” classic/rock/pop bands of all time and was an easy choice and decision to make as the featured entertainers for Family Weekend 2011 at EIU,” Brinker said. “They are one of the most celebrated bands of all time whose musical accolade speaks for itself.”

Brinker said Chicago has won many awards and is excited to have such a popular band come to Eastern.

“It goes without saying that EIU is very fortunate to have the band performing not one, but two shows in one night, which is almost by un-precedented by these musical artists,” Brinker said.

Brinker said Chicago’s music range appeals to multiple generations and is one of the reasons they were chosen.

“(They have a) wide audience appeal,” Brinker said. “Although EIU students did not grow-up with their music, the band’s music has come full-circle with a multi-generation appeal.”

Brinker said their music and songs are appropriate for both the parents visiting and the students on campus.

“Their music and songs are legendary and resonates with a wide audience not only nationally but also inter-nationally as well,” Brinker said.

Brinker said the reason Chicago has not been the choice in the past years is because Chicago was out of Eastern’s price range.

Chicago is performing two shows for $135,000, or $67,500 for each show during Family Weekend, Brinker said.

“After four months of persistent negotiations, I believe the band has been well worth the wait, as it is not everyday that EIU has the opportunity to contract and showcase a band the caliber of Chicago,” Brinker said.

Brinker said Eastern has work hard to get Chicago to perform for the parents and students Family Weekend.

Brinker said, “This was in an effort to not only expose the EIU community to these great musical artists, but also to provide the Charleston and surrounding communities with an opportunity to see live in concert what of America’s premier bands perform at EIU!”

Samantha McDaniel can be reached at 581-7942 or [email protected].