The Main Deck
A Yacht-Rock Performing Ensemble
Embedded Files
Born out of our April 2026 concert Amid the Harbor Lights, The Main Deck is a premier, modular instrumental ensemble that brings the breezy sounds of 70s and 80s yacht rock to the community. We replace vocals with a driving blend of keyboards and percussion, creating a unique ensemble sound.
"The Main Deck isn't just about nostalgia; it’s about showcasing the incredible technical skill of Illinois' finest young musicians. By taking on the meticulous, studio-grade arrangements of the 70s and 80s without a safety net of vocals, these students are redefining what youth instrumental music can be."
- Alexander J. Amato, Artistic Director
Upcoming Shows
Click on the dropdown arrows to learn more about each event.
KidsMatter EMPOWER Gala
October 24, 2026 | Embassy Suites
5:30-7:00pm
KidsMatter EMPOWER Gala
October 24, 2026 | Embassy Suites
5:30-7:00pm
Come join The Main Deck and KidsMatter for an evening celebrating the organization's incredible 25-year legacy of building resilient kids who say 'no' to destructive choices and 'yes' to their endless possibilities. The Main Deck will be headlining the cocktail hour with 70s/80s yacht rock favorites.
Alex Amato, Piano
Owen Cameron, Keyboards
Owen DeCamp, Percussion
Sean Mulvey, Drums
Past Shows
Click on the dropdown arrows to learn more about each event.
International Festival
September 2026
International Festival
September 2026
On September 12, 2026, The Main Deck performed at the Naperville Sister Cities International Festival. The ensemble entertained a crowd with a 5-piece set of Hall & Oates, The Doobie Brothers, Christopher Cross & Toto.
Alex Amato, Piano
Owen Cameron, Keyboards
Oliver Gardner, Percussion
Joey Hammer, Drums
NWC Fine Arts & Artisan Fair
June 2026
NWC Fine Arts & Artisan Fair
June 2026
On June 27, 2026, The Main Deck performed as the standalone, headlining entertainment at the Naperville Woman's Club Fine Arts & Artisan Fair. The ensemble entertained a full crowd with the breezy classics of yacht rock from the 70s/80s.
Alex Amato, Piano
Sydney Carlson, Keyboards
Wesley Miller, Percussion
Sean Mulvey, Drums
KidsMatter School's Out
June 2026
KidsMatter School's Out
June 2026
On June 4, 2026, The Main Deck performed at the KidsMatter "School's Out" Fundraiser Night, bringing an ensemble featuring keyboard, drums and percussion. This event supported the remarkable nonprofit organization, KidsMatter.
Alex Amato, Piano
Sydney Carlson, Keyboards
Sean Mulvey, Drums
Henry Rutkowski, Percussion
Bring The Main Deck to Your Next Event
The Main Deck performs for community and private events throughout DuPage County and the greater Illinois area.
To book The Main Deck or to learn more, please contact Artistic Director Alex Amato at aamato@amatones.org.
⚓ What Makes The Main Deck Unique?
> An Instrumental Voyage: The Main Deck completely reimagines the breezy sounds of yacht rock by focusing entirely on an instrumental delivery.
> A Powerhouse Rhythm & Keys Section: The ensemble's signature sound relies on a dynamic wall of piano, synth keyboard textures, and driving drums/percussion.
> The Modular Advantage: Designed to be flexible and adaptable, the ensemble can scale up or down depending on the venue and performance style. This modular approach allows our musicians to master different arrangements and excel in both intimate community settings and high-production concert stages.
🎼 Empowering the Next Generation of Elite Talent
True to the mission of Amatones, The Main Deck bridges the gap between generations and educational levels. The ensemble features an elite roster of local musicians ranging from high school prodigies to collegiate instrumentalists.
By placing younger players alongside more experienced peers, the ensemble serves as a real-world masterclass in:
> Groove and Pocket: Mastering the signature 70s/80s groove.
> Performance: Giving young musicians the platform to find their unique artistic voice and perform at a high level in the community.
> Professionalism: Maintaining the high-production standards and elite performance execution that Amatones is known for across DuPage County.
Musicians:
Owen Cameron
Sydney Carlson
Oliver Gardner
Joey Hammer
Wesley Miller
Sean Mulvey
Henry Rutkowski
Page updated
Report abuse