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ALBANY PARK — The Lot Jams concert series is back this year with four free shows in Albany Park.
The start time for all of this year’s performances is 7 p.m. and live music will be played until 9 p.m.
The outdoor concerts are presented by the North River Commission and Albany Park Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Albany Park & Irving Park Special Service Area.
“We are thrilled that we can be back out in the community, providing free, family-friendly events for residents that help to bring people back into our business districts,” said Carson Poole, the North River Commission’s community organizer.
The July 15 and Aug. 5 performances are also being sponsored by a grant from the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events to help Chicago’s arts recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
For more information on concert series, click here.
More on each show:
June 24: Sonic Octopus
Sonic Octopus will perform at Surge Billiards, 3241 W. Montrose Ave. The band plays an upbeat blend of Caribbean and Latin dance music from across the popular and sub-cultural spectrum.
This special performance features Diana Mosquera (vocals), Armando Pérez (guitar), Yendrys Céspedes (piano, horns), Ryan Schoen (bass) and Dan Lieber (drums, percussion).
July 15: Madera Once
Returning to Lot Jams after a 2019 show, Madera Once will play at Noon O Kabab, 4701 N. Kedzie Ave. Madera Once is a four-piece band that pays tribute to Mexican regional and traditional music with a contemporary spin.
The group’s original music draws from the influences of traditional rancheras, cumbias, Latin indie and pop.
Aug. 5: Mariachi Sirenas
The all-women Mariachi Sirenas will play at Heartland Health, 3737 W. Lawrence Ave. Proudly representing mariachi music in Chicago, the group is “honored to be a part of the community of strong women” promoting the folkloric arts of Latin America.
Mariachi Sirenas was founded by members Ibet Herrera and Eréndira Izguerra with a dream to bring together women for the art of mariachi.
Aug. 26: The Luna Blues Machine
The Luna Blues Machine, an acoustic hip-hop, Latin, folk-soul band fronted by sisters Belinda and Maritza Cervantes, will play at Surge Billiards, 3241 W. Montrose Ave.
Founded in 2001, the Luna Blues Machine started performing at Subterranean’s Open Mic Night, cultivating a signature sound. The band continues to be a staple in Chicago’s music scene.
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