Presented by the Nichols Park Advisory Council and the Chicago Park District, the George Franklin Memorial Summer Sunday Concert Series kicks off with blues guitarist Billy Flynn on Sunday, July 9 at Nichols Park – 1355 E. 53rd Street from 4-6 p.m. – sponsored by Downtown Hyde Park – SSA #61.
These free concerts continue every Sunday afternoon through August 27, so organize your family and friends, grab a blanket and chairs, pack a picnic or visit a local Hyde Park restaurant for takeout, and enjoy one of Hyde Park’s favorite summertime traditions.
SCHEDULE
July 9 – Billy Flynn (sponsored by Downtown Hyde Park – SSA #61)
Billy Flynn is a Chicago blues and electric blues guitarist, singer and songwriter. Flynn has worked and recorded with blues greats including Bryan Lee, Little Smokey Smothers, Mark Hummel, Willie Kent, and more.
July 16 – Akasha (sponsored by Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference)
Akasha is the premiere reggae band on the Chicago musical landscape, sounding like they stepped out of a 1972 session at Studio One, but also embroidering on the Jamaican canon with diverse modern influences.
July 23 – The Masters Collection (sponsored by Small Cheval)
The Masters Collection is a network of independent musicians that come together under one umbrella to rock your world.
July 30 – Barry and the Fountains (sponsored by Xfinity)
Barry and The Fountains is an eclectic alternative soul act with deep soul roots, a distinct literary voice, and a haunting, subtle edge.
August 6 – Bryant and the Blues Kings (sponsored by SOPHY Hotel)
Bryant and the Blues Kings are one of Chicago’s preeminent blues bands, and you won’t want to miss this event!
August 13 – Dave Herrero (sponsored by University of Chicago Commercial Real Estate Operations)
Dave Herrero, originally from Clearwater, Florida got his first taste of the power of blues music by watching Buddy Guy on Austin City Limits as a kid. Hailing from many generations of musicians, this prompted Dave to start learning how to play guitar and he would sneak out of military school weekly to attend a local blues jam.
August 20 – Sarah Marie Young (sponsored by Toni Preckwinkle – Cook County Board President)
Sarah Marie Young is an award-winning singer, songwriter and musician. She has been featured with Postmodern Jukebox, Playing For Change’s “Skin Deep” video with Buddy Guy, and has played festivals on tour all over Europe and Brazil.
August 27 – Love Seat (sponsored by Carolan Apartments & Kimbark Plaza Merchants Association)
Featuring Nicole (vocals, guitar), Colleen (vocals, ukulele), Alok (keys), Eddie (bass), and Ryan (drums), Chicago-based loveseat is comprised of neighbors, coworkers, and, first and foremost, friends. The band formed in the spring of 2023 and has been developing a sound they like to call “comfy rock.”
FREE ADMISSION / OPEN LAWN SEATING / BRING CHAIRS & PICNIC BLANKETS / NO GRILLING, SMOKING, OR ALCOHOL USE
For more information, view the website or Facebook event.