Scully's All-Star Jam to draw top talent to Wonder Lake

WONDER LAKE — Attend Scully’s All-Star Jam this May 8 in Wonder Lake and you just might bump into the likes of Jimy Sohns, vocalist for The Shadows of Knight, whose hit 1965 single “Gloria” was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.

Or maybe you’ll hear some licks from Grammy-nominated guitarist Bobby Messano or any of a number of other blues and rock greats who tend to heed the all-star jam call. Local fan favorite bands like Redeye Express, Practice in Public, and Aaron Hermann and the Blues Cruisers have signed on. More are sure to come, said Patrick Scully, who’s been coordinating his annual musical blowout for 10 years now.

This year’s jam — part open mic, part scheduled performances and temporarily dubbed Momapalooza in honor of the day — takes place noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, May 8, at Alibi Pub & Grub, 4117 E. Wonder Lake Road. Alibi Pub & Grub and Advanced Roofing are top sponsors for the event.

Cost to attend or participate is free. Donations for the Wonder Lake Neighbors Food Pantry will be accepted, and food and beverages will be available for purchase.

“I look at this as a musicians’ day out,” said Scully, referring to himself as a frustrated musician and music addict while noting that the event has taken place at a variety of McHenry County venues over the years.

“They enjoy playing together, and you often get these wonderful new combinations of musicians who rarely see each other elsewhere,” he continued. “We’ve had local musicians like Bruce Waters play with legends like Messano and Sohns. You never know who’s going to show up. It’s always an exciting surprise.”

Bob Carey, general manager of Alibi Pub & Grub, said he’s excited that the establishment will play host to this year’s event. He added that first responders are especially encouraged to attend, as they are always VIP guests at Alibi Pub & Grub, receiving 15 percent off on food and drink.

“We’re bringing something into Wonder Lake that’s new, a one-of-a-kind experience,” Carey said of the jam. “A lot of places do open mic nights or blues nights. But this will be, for many who attend, a whole new cultural experience.”

Musicians who’d like to perform should bring their own amp and guitar, and for drummers, their own cymbals, sticks and pedal. A drum kit and sound system will be provided.

To inquire about performing, send an email to scullyentertainmentllc@gmail.com, or simply show up ready to play. For information about the venue, visit careysalibi.com.