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IRVING PARK — A new North Side concert series kicks off Friday, giving visitors a chance to discover new musical artists and vendors free of charge.
The Friday Night Kilbourn Park Concert Series starts 6-8 p.m. Friday at the park, 3501 N. Kilbourn Ave. Shows will be staged at the same time each Friday through July 28.
Avery Springer, formerly of Retirement Party, and solo artist Bill MacKay kick off the concert series. All the artists performing have Chicago ties and stem from a variety of genres, including indie rock, neo Latin, R&B and more.
Here’s the schedule:
- Avery Springer and Bill MacKay – July 7
- Half Gringa and A Flor De Piel – July 14
- Girl K and Eli Winter – July 21
- Lia Kohl and Tasha – July 28
Chicago-based sponsors will also make appearances, including Chicago Cannabis Company, Driftless Prairie Meats & Market and Irish bar Gracie O’Malley’s.
The series was organized by Kilbourn Park Advisory Council members Nina Corcoran and David Anthony, who believed having the series throughout the month of July would make attendance more feasible for those who would like to attend the event.
“I think that it gives a lot more opportunity for people to actually attend by making it a regular thing,” Anthony said. “Obviously, we’re not a bigger festival, but we really wanted to make it accessible and open for both members of the community and people who want to hang out and learn about the area and see what’s around here.”
Organizers said they hope having a variety of artists will pique the interests of multiple groups of fans. For example, A Flor De Piel, the performer on July 14, is a Spanish-language group.
“We are in a neighborhood where some of our neighbors only speak Spanish. We wanted to do our best to bring in a variety of things, while still working within our limitations,” Anthony said. “It was about making choices intentionally around who we thought would show a side of the creativity in this city, and also work for a 15-year-old walking by, and a 50-year-old walking with their 5-year-olds.”
Anthony said he hopes to continue the theme of having Chicago-connected artists for future summer concerts.
“I think that is the big part of the goal, to highlight Chicago talent. By having two artists, it makes it easier for us to have it feel curated,” said Anthony. “If we do it again next year, our goal is to keep it Chicago-specific and Chicago-centric.”
Organizers recommend bringing a picnic, blankets and lawn chairs for the outdoor event. For more information on the lineup and sponsors, visit the KPAC website.
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