Murph's Gift Of Music Benefit Is Nov. 18 At 115 Bourbon Street

MERRIONETTE PARK, IL — A fundraiser held every other year in memory of a beloved musician returns to 115 Bourbon Street in November. The "Murph's Gift of Music" event will be held from 3-8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Merrionette Park venue. It will be the fifth bi-annual event that raises money for the Michael J. Murphy Music Scholarship Fund.

The Bourbon Street event features live music from popular local bands, various raffles and silent auctions, food, beer and wine. It is an all-ages event that will include music from The Larkin and Moran Brothers, A Week Back and Uncle Bob's Band.

The scholarship fund provides music lessons and instruments to students in the Southwest Chicago area that come from families that struggle financially, according to a news release. Since the fund began, 245 young musicians, dancers and singers have been awarded scholarships that consist of up to 30 private lessons and an instrument if needed.

It was created in honor of Michael Murphy, a Merrionette Park native who died at age 31 in 2008 when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Mount Greenwood. Murphy was a talented guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and guitar teacher who played in four bands and appeared at a variety of venues, pubs and festivals throughout the Chicago area and beyond, according to the release.

Murphy also taught at the Music School in Oak Lawn "where he encouraged students young and old to pursue their love of music." His devotion and passion for music "was a great inspiration to others."

Tickets for the Nov. 18 event at 115 Bourbon Street are $30 for adults 21 and over, $15 for those 13-20, $5 for those 6-12 and free for those five and under. They can be purchased on the Murph's Gift of Music website here.

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