The University of Chicago, in collaboration with Eric Williams, owner of The Silver Room, will kick off the second year of free, open-air summer concerts, with the Harper Court Summer Music Series, starting May 25. Located in the courtyard area at 5235 S. Harper Court off 53rd Street, the event includes four concerts scheduled for 6 – 9 p.m. on May 25, June 29, July 27, and August 31.
The series begins with Blues & Steppers Night on Wednesday, May 25, with the legendary Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings and DJ Eric “ET” Taylor, a member of the V103 elite mix team. Dance instructor Swan will help you brush up on your dancing skills, so bring a partner and your dancing shoes!
Jazz Night will be the feature on Wednesday, June 29, with jazz drummer sensation Makaya McCraven and his band, including Junius Paul on bass, Justefan on vibes, Matt Gold on guitar, and Marquis Hill on trumpet. Afterward, DJ Duane Powell will play the rarest grooves of jazz, funk, soul, and house music to get the dance floor moving.
Latin music is the theme for July 27, with DJ El Caobo and DJ Kamani Rashad serving up Salsa, Bachata, Meringue, and Kizomba music for an authentic sound experience. Dance instructors will be available, demonstrating the classic moves of these unique dance styles.
The series closes with an Afro-Beat Night on August 31, featuring Africa Hi-Fi, created by DJ Ron Trent and Sonia Hassan. This musical tribute honors Africa’s influence in world music and culture, fusing music and social consciousness with art and dance for a powerful experience.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Harper Court restaurants, and paid parking is available in the Harper Court parking garage, the surface lot on Harper Avenue, as well as on the street.
Harper Court is a mixed-use retail development with businesses including AT&T, Chipotle, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Hyatt Place Hotel, Ja’ Grill, Native Foods, LA Fitness, Nancy Krause Floral Design and Garden Antiques, NoteworthyNotes, Porkchop, Sir & Madame, ULTA Beauty, and VILLA.
For more information about the series, please go to http://harpercourtmusic.com.