Southside SummerFest Heats Up Marist Football Stadium

CHICAGO — The final touches are being applied to the biggest party of the summer, when Marist High School presents the second Southside SummerFest this Saturday, July 22. The 21-and-over event features bands, food and cocktails on the football field in RedHawk Stadium, 4200 W. 1115th St., Chicago. Gates open at 4 p.m.

Tickets for Southside SummerFest are available by visiting Marist, or GO FAN. Single tickets are $35 in advance (advance ticket sales end July 21 at 11:55 p.m.); or $40 at the gate. There are a few VIP tickets left, which include food, drinks, and access to the exclusive VIP area, available for $150. Only 200 VIP tickets will be sold.

Last year’s inaugural SummerFest was a rousing success and drew over 2,500 music lovers from Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

Southside SummerFest is the brainchild of Fr. Tom Hurley, vice president for advancement and ministry for Marist and the high school chaplain, who was closely associated with the defunct Old St. Pat’s Block Party that entertained Chicagoans for 35 years. Hurley wanted to duplicate that success on the South Side.

“We had such fun with it last year and it was very productive,” Hurley said. “It was always our intention to do an annual event. We decided to keep it going.”

The fest will go on rain or shine, and features music for all tastes.

“The nice thing about having it [at Marist], if the forecast was for rain, we would pivot into our gymnasium,” Hurley said.

Over 100 couples are believed to have met at Old St. Pat’s Block Party during its 35 year run. Hurley is unaware of any similar love connections made at last year's SummerFest.

“There might have been people who met last year,” Hurley said. “I haven’t been contacted yet about doing any weddings.”

All tickets are non-refundable. Additionally, no outside food or beverages will be allowed; and chairs are not allowed on the football field, those wishing to sit on the lawn can bring blankets, otherwise seats are available in the stands. All seating is first-come, first-served. Gates will open 30 minutes before the first performance.

Money raised at the Southside SummerFest will help to provide scholarships and facility improvements to Marist High School and its students.

ABOUT THE BANDS

Southside SummerFest will cover music from Americana to roots rock to classic rock. The three bands performing include American Pie, Mr. Blotto, and Freddy Jones Band.

American Pie

American Pie, a south side favorite, plays Americana and other acoustic driven rock. with hits from Mumford, Dave, Zac Brown, Lumineers, Vampire Wee, and more.

Mr. Blotto

Mr. Blotto, known as Chicago's original jam band, plays rootsy good-times music featuring originals by these venerable Chicago jamsters, while playing your favorite Phish, Widepread Panic, Dead, Traffic covers with scads of soul and proficiency.

Freddy Jones Band

Freddy Jones Band has stood out as one of America’s most noteworthy and revered alternative rock acts for over three decades. This year, the band is marking the 30th Anniversary of their biggest hit, “In a Daydream,” which topped the Mainstream Rock Charts in the mid-90’s.