BAPA’s popular Porch Concert series of live and live-streamed performances returns as a monthly event on Fri., May 7, 6 to 8 p.m. The first concert showcases Blues artist Tom Holland performing with Matt Rezetko and Tom Rezetko on a beautiful porch on 109th and Bell. Concerts are free.
Born and raised in Beverly/Morgan Park, Tom Holland has been playing the blues for almost 25 years, regularly appearing at clubs and festivals worldwide. Years on the road with blues legends such as John Primer, Eddy Clearwater and James Cotton have made Holland one of the most in-demand blues artists on the scene today.
For the Porch Concert, Holland’s rhythm section features neighborhood residents Tom Rezetko (The Smiley Tillmon Band) and Matt Rezetko (Crosseyed and Phishless).
For the live show, bring a picnic blanket or chair and your own beverages. This month, the Calabria on Wheels food truck will be selling sandwiches and snacks. Concerts are live- streamed on social media.
BAPA’s Porch Concerts were developed in an effort to support local musicians who were unable to perform during pandemic shut-downs, and to bring live music and a greater sense of community to Beverly/Morgan Park neighbors. Last year, artists took to the stage (or porch) on several Friday evenings to play to small crowds gathered on lawns as well as large audiences at home streaming through BAPA’s Facebook page — each event received thousands of views.
As Chicago continues reopening this spring and summer, BAPA will host Porch Concerts on the first Fridays, June 4, July 2 and Aug. 6, 6 to 8 p.m. Find details from BAPA on Facebook and Instagram.