Free Summer Outdoor Concert featuring The Caught Off Guards

The Oak Park Arms Senior Living Community invites the public to its popular Summer Outdoor Concert Series from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, June 5, 2026. This free community event will feature the soulful sounds of The Caught Off Guards monthly on the grounds of the Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.

“We are thrilled to kick off this summer series and welcome our neighbors back to the Arms,” said Renee Steingard, director of leasing and resident engagement at the Oak Park Arms. “While we always hope for perfect weather to enjoy the music outdoors, our historic ballroom stands ready as a beautiful backup to ensure the music, dancing, and community spirit continue regardless of the forecast.”

Members of the Caught Off Guards first met at an open-mic event at the NAMI drop-in center in Oak Park. Each musician has a love of Funk, R&B, Soul, Blues, and Jazz. They began as a backing band or live karaoke band for other performers, and in the process of mutual support, the Caught Off Guards emerged as a main act for community events.

Healing through the arts is the reason The Caught off Guards perform. They have performed at the Open-Door Theatre, Unity Temple, the Nineteenth Century Club, Cheney Mansion, and Oak Park’s Thursday Night Out. Band members include Charles Torpe, Carla Taylor, Gary Barkov. Kevin McDermott, Steve Coppola, Sylvester Czaijkowski, Carl Mugavero, and Francesco Forte.

Event details at a glance:

• What: Summer Outdoor Concert Series
• Music / Band: The Caught Off Guards
• Where: Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.
• Cost: Free and open to the public
• Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
• Date: June 5
• Inclement Weather: In the event of rain, the concert will move inside to the historic Oak Park Arms ballroom.

Oak Park Arms Senior Living is a rental retirement community that provides senior housing in the form of independent living. A licensed home care agency is onsite to provide support services for seniors. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month, or longer.

The outdoor concert series is free and open to the public. For more information call 708-386-4040 or visit https://www.oakparkarms.com/.