The lineup for the 2024 Harper Court Summer Music Series has been announced. Sponsored by the University of Chicago in partnership with The Silver Room, the popular free outdoor concerts are scheduled for four Thursday nights in Harper Court, 5235 S. Harper Court, Hyde Park (53rd Street and S. Lake Park Avenue). Mario Smith will serve as the emcee for the events.
The lineup includes:
Thursday, June 6, 6-9 p.m.
DJ ERIC “ET” TAYLOR – 1ST ANNUAL HYDE PARK BEST STEPPERS CONTEST
Don’t miss DJ Eric “ET” Taylor and the 1st Annual Hyde Park Best Steppers Contest! We’ll be awarding 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies, so start practicing now!
Taylor has 40+ years DJ experience and is part of the elite V103 mix team.
Thursday, July 11, 6-9 p.m.
FUNKADESI
Celebrating 28 years in 2024, the award-winning Funkadesi has been wowing crowds with their blend of Indian bhangra, Bollywood & folk with reggae, funk, and Afro-Caribbean grooves, Funkadesi emphatically personifies inclusive joy. Winner of the Chicago Music Award for Most Outstanding Group, Chicago-based Funkadesi delivers a virtuoso high energy musical experience. With members who are unprecedentedly diverse (Indian-American, African-American, Jamaican, Latino, and European-American), their music expresses their motto: “One family, many children…Insisting we all belong.”
Thursday, August 1, 6-9 p.m.
SAM THOUSAND & THE SOUL VORTEX WITH THE CHICAGO WINDY CITY RAMBLERS
Sam Thousand (formally known as Sam Trump) is a multi-instrumentalist, singer/writer, producer/composer and a 3Arts Recipient with 15+ years of experience in live performance art, curation, and self management. Since picking up the trumpet at age 7, his artistry has allowed him the opportunity to perform in all corners of North America as well as overseas.
From maintaining years of performance residencies, curating special events throughout the city, and serving as a booking manager at multiple venues and spaces, Sam Thousand has become a fixture in Chicago’s performing arts scene. He’s been a full-time artist & curator since 2014. He is co-founder of the Chicago-based arts organization ChiBrations, and is a business owner and entrepreneur. Everywhere he goes, he brings a sophistication that engages & uplifts.
The Chicago Windy City Ramblers is a non-profit brass band organization that is dedicated to the cultural development of the youth of Chicago through the brass band and second line culture. The Windy City Ramblers builds from the musical legacy and festive spirit of the New Orleans brass band and second-line culture while embracing the rich creative history of Chicago music culture and musicianship. Musically and culturally, our aim is to inspire, cultivate, maintain, and employ excellent musicianship, professionalism, bandsmanship, and cultural enlightenment.
Friday, September 5, 6-9 p.m.
A DOPE SOUTHSIDE OPEN MIC BY THE SILVER ROOM – HOSTED BY PHALAIR
The Silver Room presents a unique open mic experience on the Southside of Chicago, hosted by Phalair.
More info to be released for sign-ups. All music and spoken word content must be family-friendly.
The Harper Court Summer Music Series is outdoors in Harper Court, and seating is not provided. Please feel free to bring your folding chairs, but remember to leave lots of room for dancing! Paid parking is available in the Harper Court garage (entrance on S. Lake Park Avenue just south of McDonald’s and in the surface lot on S. Harper Avenue. Paid street parking is also available. We encourage you to take public transportation or carpool.
Enjoy Bob’s Pizza, Chipotle, Daisy’s Po’ Boy & Tavern, Deep Purpl, Ja’ Grill, Roti Modern Mediterranean, Stan’s Donuts & Coffee, and Strugglebeard Bakery – all in Harper Court. Or sample one of the many great eateries on 53rd Street.
Support our neighborhood businesses by shopping local. Recyled Modern and Suuri Design are in Harper Court, and The Silver Room and other shops are right around the corner.
For a complete list of local businesses go to welcometohydepark.com.