Enjoy free, live music on select Tuesday & Friday evenings throughout the summer in the green space of Gallagher Way.
MAY 14 - SEPTEMBER 24
Old Town School Happy Hours return this summer to Gallagher Way! Join us for a weekly live music experience sure to end your day on a high note. From the familiar sounds of pop, rock, and folk to unique melodies from around the world, many Happy Hours will also feature free dance lessons or other interactive music experiences. Suitable for all ages, so bring your families and friends!
Also, don't miss Wiggleworms at Gallagher Way on Tuesday mornings!
More information on events at Gallagher Way
May 14 from 5-7pm
Donna Herula Band
Donna Herula and her band play a variety of blues styles as well as original songs that tip the hat to the blues tradition. Donna Herula is an award-winning blues singer/songwriter, resonator slide guitarist, and Chicago Blues Hall of Fame inductee and will be joined by Marc Edelstein on upright bass, Tony Wittrock on guitar and mandolin and Patrick Seals on drums for a fun show. Donna's latest album, "Bang at the Door" won "Best Acoustic Blues Album" and Donna won "Best Traditional Blues Artist" at the 2022 Independent Blues Awards.
May 28 from 5-7pm
Lamajamal
Lamajamal, a palindrome for jamal, the Arabic word for beauty, is an ensemble that explores classical, folk, and sacred music traditions from around the world. With each member trained in various musical traditions and instruments, the group has an extensive repertoire from the Middle East, North Africa, Balkans, Turkey, Greece, and South Asia. For over ten years, Lamajamal has established itself as a vanguard in the world music market performing at international festivals, renowned venues, interfaith events, as well as houses of worship for Jewish, Christian, and Muslim services. Lamajamal's core mission is to identify historical and social commonalities among different musical styles, cultures, and religions to foster a sense of global citizenry.
June 11 from 5-7pm
The Bear Williams Band
Chicago Blues Artist Bear Williams cut his musical teeth in 1978 as the bass player for Mega Soul/Gospel artists The Staple Singers. Bear has also worked with music legends, Steve Perry of Journey, Babyface, Whitney Houston, George Duke, Alanis Morrisette, Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle, Anita Baker, and many others. The Bear Williams Band features some of Chicago's top musicians and they look forward to bringing their soulful Rhythm and Blues sound to this summertime series!
June 25 from 5-7pm
Andrea Bunch Trio
Andrea Bunch, Janet Cramer and Greg Nergaard have played everywhere from Egypt to Canada to Milwaukee's Summerfest and The House of Blues. All proud members of Chicago's queer community, the trio plays uplifting originals and danceable covers - music for celebrating summer evenings!
July 9 from 5-7pm
The Hoyle Brothers
The Hoyle Brothers have been a staple of the country music scene in Chicago for more than two decades. Their distinctive honky-tonk songbook draws from country music's deepest traditions -- lyrics that speak universal truths, melodies that melt your heart, musicianship that satisfies the soul and two-step friendly rhythms that scoot your boots. When The Hoyle Brothers play, a good time's on the way.
July 16 from 5-7pm
Los Gallos
Los Gallos from Chicago play a danceable blend of Norteno/Tex-Mex, Cumbia and Roots Rock with nods to Los Lobos, Texas Tornados, The Blazers and The Iguanas. From diverse musical backgrounds and influences, Los Gallos came together over their shared love of Mexican music and American roots music.
August 27 from 5-7pm
Minor Moon
Minor Moon is the songwriting project of Sam Cantor, a musician based in Chicago, IL. At the heart of Minor Moon's open-ended and knotty country rock songs is an undeniably inviting lightness. While Cantor writes impressionistic songs about the end of the world, they're wrapped in such a warm blanket of lush guitars and pastoral twang that they always leave a hopeful spark. Their latest album, The Light Up Waltz, was released in April via Ruination Record Co. and has been described as "deeply adventurous ... unique and forward-thinking while still clearly basking in the rays of traditional rock, country, and folk" (Pop Matters).
October 10 from 5-7pm
The Hoyle Brothers
The Hoyle Brothers have been a staple of the country music scene in Chicago for more than two decades. Their distinctive honky-tonk songbook draws from country music's deepest traditions -- lyrics that speak universal truths, melodies that melt your heart, musicianship that satisfies the soul and two-step friendly rhythms that scoot your boots. When The Hoyle Brothers play, a good time's on the way.
October 17 from 5-7pm
Nikki O'Neill
Nikki O'Neill is a Soul/Americana singer-songwriter who plays lead and rhythm guitar. She's also a teaching artist at the Old Town School of Folk Music, and a writer. Nikki's first two albums received glowing press reviews and plays on Americana, blues and roots music radio in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Right now, Chicago radio stations are playing "Candy Apple Morning" -- the single from her third, upcoming album on Blackbird Record Label. Nikki will be joined by her soulful and dynamic 4-piece band, featuring Chris Corsale, Teddy Myers, Chris Stanford and Rich Lackowski.
October 24 from 5-7pm
Lamajamal
Lamajamal, a palindrome for jamal, the Arabic word for beauty, is an ensemble that explores classical, folk, and sacred music traditions from around the world. With each member trained in various musical traditions and instruments, the group has an extensive repertoire from the Middle East, North Africa, Balkans, Turkey, Greece, and South Asia. For over ten years, Lamajamal has established itself as a vanguard in the world music market performing at international festivals, renowned venues, interfaith events, as well as houses of worship for Jewish, Christian, and Muslim services. Lamajamal's core mission is to identify historical and social commonalities among different musical styles, cultures, and religions to foster a sense of global citizenry.
