The Main Deck
A Yacht-Rock Performing Ensemble
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Born out of our April 2026 concert Amid the Harbor Lights, The Main Deck is a premier, modular instrumental ensemble featuring talent from middle school through college. By replacing vocals with a driving blend of keyboards and percussion, this unique group brings the breezy sounds of 70s and 80s yacht rock to the community.
"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
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Sister Cities Festival
September 12, 2026 | Central Park
4:00-4:30pm
Sister Cities Festival
September 12, 2026 | Central Park
4:00-4:30pm
Yacht rock at an international festival? You got it! The Main Deck will be performing at the Naperville Sister Cities International Festival on September 12, 2026. Join Alex Amato and the ensemble for a set featuring our audience favorites by Hall & Oates, The Doobie Brothers, Air Supply, Christopher Cross, Dan & Coley, and Toto. Join us for a free evening of music!
Alex Amato, Piano
Owen Cameron, Keyboards
Oliver Gardner, Percussion
Joey Hammer, Drums
Riverwalk Fine Art Fair
September 20, 2026 | Amphitheater
3:30-5:00pm
Riverwalk Fine Art Fair
September 20, 2026 | Amphitheater
3:30-5:00pm
Set sail with The Main Deck as we bring the 70s and 80s yacht rock vibes right to the river’s edge for the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair! Catch us live at the Riverwalk Amphitheater in Downtown Naperville for an afternoon of smooth grooves, great art, and easy living by the water.
Alex Amato, Piano
Ethan Chodoroff, Keyboards
Oliver Gardner, Percussion
Sean Mulvey, Drums
Elena Najjar, Saxophone
Ashvik Singh, Electric Guitar
KidsMatter EMPOWER Gala
October 24, 2026 | Embassy Suites
6:00-7:00pm
KidsMatter EMPOWER Gala
October 24, 2026 | Embassy Suites
6:00-7:00pm
More to come!
Alex Amato, Piano
Ensemble TBD
Past Shows
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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, highlighting the intricate hooks, complex chord changes, and smooth soloing that defines the era.
> A Powerhouse Rhythm & Keys Section: The ensemble's signature sound relies heavily on a dynamic, cascading wall of keyboards, synth textures, and driving drums and 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 middle school prodigies to college-aged instrumentalists.
By placing younger players alongside more experienced peers, the ensemble serves as a real-world masterclass in:
> Groove and Pocket: Mastering the precise, laid-back timing required for West Coast studio-rock sounds.
> Improvisation: Giving young soloists the platform to find their unique artistic voice over complex chord progressions.
> Professionalism: Maintaining the high-production standards and elite performance execution that Amatones is known for across DuPage County.
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