LOGAN SQUARE — Free concerts will be held in Palmer Square Park this summer for the third year in a row.
Launched in 2020 by a neighbor to help struggling musicians during the pandemic, the Live on Logan concert series kicks off Sunday, July 16, with Birdsong and Pat Mallinger scheduled to perform 2-4 p.m. in the park at 2200 N. Kedzie Blvd.
Organizers are still finalizing the schedule, but the following shows are also confirmed:
- Luciano Antonio at 1-3 p.m., July 23
- Chris Greene Quartet at 1-3 p.m., July 30
- Marcel Bonfim at 1-3 p.m., Aug. 6
- Greg Fundis Trio at 1-3 p.m., Aug. 13
- AlgoRitmo at 1-3 p.m., Sept. 17
Live on Logan started early on in the pandemic as front porch jazz shows on Logan Boulevard.
Neighbor Sergio Castro, a film location manager with a passion for live music, moved the series to Palmer Square Park in 2021 after noise complaints.
The free shows, which coincide with the popular Logan Square Farmers Market, have proven to be a big hit among neighbors. One show drew at least 200 people, Castro said.
Like last year, organizers with the Palmer Square Park Advisory Council are asking for help from the community to fund the concert series.
Castro said they need to raise at least $7,500 in donations to pay this year’s musicians. The group pays artists $750 per show and $250 if it rains.
The operation is lean otherwise: Castro built the stage and all of the sound equipment is donated.
Castro said they’re also looking for corporate sponsorships to sustainably put on the free shows.
This year, organizers are booking artists and bands who play other types of music, and not just jazz, he said. For example, the lineup includes Brazilian artist Antonio and Grateful Dead tribute band Birdsong.
“I want to make it more of a weekly roots festival,” Castro said.
The outdoor concerts have the feel of free Millennium Park shows Downtown, which aren’t accessible to everyone, he said.
“I’m trying to bring sophistication to the neighborhood and pair it up with the Logan Square Farmers Market because it’s only a seven-minute walk. You can pick up lunch and picnic in the park,” he said. “And I truly wanted to make it a free show.”
To donate, go here. Donations can also be made via Venmo: @Palmer-Square. Because the Palmer Square Park Advisory Council is a nonprofit, donations are tax-deductible.
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