The library’s second annual celebration of rock and roll is set to showcase musical performances, speakers, family events, a film viewing and discussion, and trivia!
This month, we’ll explore Chicago’s garage band and indie rock cultures beginning from the 1960s to today.
The month’s highlights include highly anticipated musical performances from Future Hits—a four-piece educational rock band whose music has been likened to Yo La Tengo and the Velvet Underground—and Jimy Sohns and The Shadows of Knight, dubbed the “American Rolling Stones.” After forming in 1964, the Shadows of Knight has had four Billboard hits, including their rock anthem, “Gloria.”
Last year’s inaugural Rock Music Month featured presentations with recording engineer Steve Albini and WBEZ Chicago’s Sound Opinions music critic hosts, Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis.
Scott Crossley, a frequent patron, attended last year’s Rock Music Month events including the trivia contest (which he won) and the Sound Opinions symposium.
As a longtime music lover (“There isn’t a day when I’m not listening to music.”), Crossley appreciates the library’s fresh and evolving take on music programs.
“I can’t stress enough my respect on what they do for the community and the wide variety of events they hold,” he said. “...(The library) truly shines.”
Here are a few program highlights to add to your calendar! Click here for a full list of upcoming Rock Music Month programs.
AN APPRECIATION OF CHUCK BERRY
For teens and adults, the library is hosting a Rock-n-Roll Film & Discussion featuring the documentary about Chuck Berry, “Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll,” on Thursday, August 17, 6:00-9:00pm in the Auditorium. After viewing this classic 1987 film, stick around for a lively discussion about the pioneering music legend Chuck Berry.
EXPERT PANEL ON MUSIC’S EVOLVING CULTURE
On Thursday, August 24, 7:00-8:30pm in the Auditorium, a dynamic panel of local musicians and venue bookers—Alex Hall, a Chicago-based musician and engineer, Jason Narducy, a musician (Split Single), and Elle Quintana, talent buyer at Reggies Music Joint—will discuss about emerging trends and the local music scenes in and around Chicago and more.
CONCERT: Future Hits
Gather on Saturday, August 26, 11:00am in the Auditorium for this four-piece band comprised of educators that not only rocks but teaches youngsters to cultivate a love for learning through educational fun. Future Hits has been likened to Yo La Tengo and Velvet Underground and has performed across the nation and the Galapagos Islands!
CONCERT: Jimy Sohns and The Shadows of Knight
Brace yourself on Thursday, August 31, 7:00pm in the Auditorium for an electrifying performance by Jimy Sohns and The Shadows of Knight, dubbed the “American Rolling Stones.” After forming in 1964, the Shadows of Knight has had four Billboard hits, including their rock anthem, “Gloria.”
