Chicago artists celebrate Chicago icons in free concerts on July 26, August 16 and September 13 through Night Out in the Parks.
This summer, three Chicago parks will come alive with the artistic brilliance of two legendary Chicago artists when journalist Cheryl Corley and singer/songwriter Lucy Smith, both Chicago natives, perform “Chicago’s Soul: The Words and Music of Gwendolyn Brooks and Curtis Mayfield.” The free performances, presented through the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks program, take place Saturday, July 26, at 5 p.m. at Sherman (John) Park; Saturday, August 16, at 4 p.m. at Warren (Laurence) Park; and Saturday, September 13, at 5 p.m. at Garfield (James) Park.
Gwendolyn Brooks, who grew up in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood to become one of the most important American poets of the 20th century, published more than 20 books and hundreds of poems, including “We Real Cool” and “Paul Robeson.” Celebrated for her exploration of Black heritage and culture, she was the first Black person to win the Pulitzer Prize (1950) in any category.
In 1968, she was named Illinois Poet Laureate and held that title until her death on December 3, 2000. Her national awards and honors include her 1988 induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and her 1985 appointment as Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress (later renamed U.S. Poet Laureate).
Curtis Mayfield, raised in the Chicago Housing Authority’s Cabrini Green complex, was an influential American singer-songwriter and guitarist renowned for his contributions to soul and R&B music. Beginning his career with The Impressions, he continued for four decades as a solo artist and producer. His prolific compositions included the songs “Move On Up” and “Choice of Colors” and the score for the 1972 film “Super Fly.” He was nominated for eight Grammy Awards and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995.
“Chicago’s Soul” is a 90-minute concert embodying themes of self-determination, pride, inspiration, patriotism, community engagement, perseverance and love. First staged in 2017 as part of Night Out in the Parks, the program returns with a unique blend of Brooks’ words and Mayfield’s music. “Their words and music are as powerful and relevant today as when they were written years ago,” said Smith. “Their works were used as tools to rally folks to peacefully engage in community action and celebration.”
Cheryl Corley who serves as the narrator performing excerpts of Brooks’ prose and poetry, was a longtime correspondent for National Public Radio and is currently its Midwest Bureau Chief.
Lucy Smith, who leads a stellar band performing Mayfield’s music, is a singer, composer, bandleader, cultural programmer, and producer who has collaborated on works for theatre, film, and spoken word productions. Corley and Smith have created several programs combining poetry, music and history, including “Chicago Bound: The Great Migration of the Blues” and “Shout Out: A Tribute to Gays in Gospel Music.”
“Chicago’s Soul: The Words and Music of Gwendolyn Brooks and Curtis Mayfield” takes place Saturday, July 26, at 5 p.m. at Sherman (John) Park, 1301 W. 52nd St.; Saturday, August 16, at 4 p.m. at Warren (Laurence) Park, 6601 N. Western Ave.; and Saturday, September 13, at 5 p.m. at Garfield (James) Park, 100 N. Central Park Ave.
Performances are FREE.
For more information, visit nightoutintheparks.com/.