McAuley Student Starts Musical Showcase for Local Musicians

OAK LAWN, IL -- Four years ago when Patch last spoke with Shannon Baker she had just started her freshman year at Mother McAuley High School. A talented singer-songwriter, Baker was poised to play her first full set at Oak Lawn’s Fall on the Green.

Today, Baker is teaming up with fellow musician Stevie Mac to emcee open mic nights under the auspices of the Oak Lawn Arts Commission, where both are appointed members. The open mics will be held at rotating venues on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month and local musicians looking for an audience to perform to are invited to perform.

“The arts commission wanted to get the younger community more involved in the arts,” said Baker, the youngest commissioner at age 17.

Baker has spent her high school years performing at various venues around the south suburbs, including 115 Bourbon Street, US Cellular Field, DeJa Brew, Clancy’s, Krapel’s, The Black Oak, most all of the Durbin’s, Oak Lawn Fall on the Green, Hawktober Fest and other gigs.

She’s become a polished performer, putting her own stamp on covers of country, pop, reggae and alternative rock, performing on occasion with her cousins, Pete and Liam Yore. Baker also writes her own original songs, drawing inspiration from real life. After graduating high school, she's looking to go on to college majoring in music therapy for "something to fall back on."

“I think it’s a great way to get involved in the community and share your passions and express yourself. It’s just fun,” Baker said.

Co-emcee Steve Mac is an accomplished percussionist, playing drums for for the pop rock band The Fall Four. Mac says participating in open mic nights creates its own communities.

“We’re always looking for ways to bring artists together and put on a spotlight on south suburban creative talent,” Mac said. “There’s a lot of it.”

The Oak Lawn Arts Commission’s first open mic night is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, at Clancy’s Pizza Pub, 4624 W. 103rd Street (next to Louie’s Chophouse and Jewel Osco), Oak Lawn. The stage is open to acoustic music and should be family-friendly. Singers and musicians are encouraged to come up and perform as well as those who like to listen to local talent. The shows run about three hours long.

Other dates are set for:

• Aug. 23, The Black Oak Tavern, 9634 S Pulaski Road, Oak Lawn.
• Sept. 13, Stony Creek Golf Course, 4624 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn
• Sept. 27, Deja Brew, 5219 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn

All shows start at 7 p.m. and run to 10 p.m. Musicians should arrive early to put their names on the sign- up sheet. Sets can last up to 15 minutes. There is no cover charge and everyone is encouraged to come out and support the performers.

Shannon Baker performing at Ed & Joe's in Orland Park.