Cultural Arts 
In 2008 we expanded to 16 free concerts at four sites!
7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Free admission
Six Thursdays at James Park - June 12 to July 24, 2008 (no concert July 3)
Two Tuesdays at Harbert Park - June 17 and July 1, 2008
Two Tuesdays at Twiggs Park - June 24 and July 8, 2008
Six Tuesdays at Dawes Park - July 22 to August 26, 2008
Each year, the Starlight Concert Series presents an amazing array of music for the whole family. From the traditional to the innovative, these concerts present an eclectic mix of musical genres and
the most exciting talents from Chicagoland and far beyond!
Note: We're happy to announce that Robbie Fulks will perform August 19, following the cancellation by a previously-announced performer.
Alfonso Ponticelli (above, left) will perform on August 5 at Dawes Park.
| 2008 Series Lineup | ||
|---|---|---|
June 12 James Park |
Cordero Blazing blend of Latin and rock music, “mixing the open atmospherics of the Southwest with the gritty feel of the Brooklyn art scene” (New York Times) |
|
June 17 Harbert Park |
Bob Stroger Legendary bassist performing old-time Chicago blues of Muddy Waters and Jimmy Rogers www.myspace.com/bobstroger |
|
June 19 James Park |
Tom Schraeder & His Ego "Sophisticated melodies and arrangements and surprisingly insightful and world-weary lyrics," one of the Chicago Sun-Times' Ten to Watch in 2008 |
|
June 24 Twiggs Park |
Baby Alright Funky soul covers by Marvin Tate's all-star collective |
|
June 26 James Park |
Wanda Jackson & the Lustre Kings The First Lady of Rockabilly infused "a woman's intuition into the boys' club of early rock & roll" (Rolling Stone) |
|
July 1 Harbert Park |
Lamajamal Gypsy surf music influenced by the traditions of the Middle East, North and West Africa, and the Balkans |
|
July 8 Twiggs Park |
Lynne Jordan & the Shivers A skilled R & B songstress and riveting performer who oozes theatrical flair and soulful intensity |
|
July 10 James Park |
JT and the Clouds Midwest roots rock with a touch of Memphis soul |
|
July 17 James Park |
The Hoyle Brothers Gear-Jammin’ Honky-Tonk from a Chicago favorite! |
|
July 22 Dawes Park |
Nicole Mitchell Quartet "On her way to becoming one of the greatest living flutists in jazz" (Chicago Reader) |
|
July 24 James Park |
Reggae Cowboys West Indies meets Wild Wild West! A seamless blend of reggae and old country guitar www.reggaecowboys.com |
|
July 29 Dawes Park |
Ken Arlen Orchestra Fifteen-piece band combines four amazing vocalists with 11 musicians, including bandleader/saxophonist Arlen |
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August 5 Dawes Park |
Alfonso Ponticelli & Swing Gitan Jubilant swing of early jazz with the feisty passion of gypsy music |
|
August 12 Dawes Park |
Bakelite 78 Vaudeville, Tin Pan Alley, American folk songs, mountain music and early jazz brought back to life |
|
August 19 Dawes Park |
Robbie Fulks Chicago's favorite insurgent country hero |
|
August 26 Dawes Park |
Buster Keaton Silent Movie Night David Drazin performs new scores for silent classics One Week and Sherlock, Jr. www.kendavies.net/daviddrazin
Sherlock, Jr. was included in Time magazine's ALL-TIME 100 best films! |
|
Park locations:
James Park, Dodge Ave. at Mulford (S. of Oakton)
Harbert Park (E. of Canal and just S. of Dempster St.)
Twiggs Park, Simpson St. at Dodge Ave.
Dawes Park, Sheridan Rd. at Church St. (at the lagoon)

Rain Site: The Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave., Evanston will be the rain site for Dawes Park and James Park concerts. Fleetwood-Jourdain Center, 1655 Foster St., Evanston will be the rain site for Twiggs Park and Harbert Park concerts. If rain threatens, call the Special Events hotline at 847/448-8058 after 4:00 p.m. for a rain site update.
Nicole Mitchell, at left, will perform on Tuesday, July 22 at Dawes Park.
Evanston Starlight Concerts are presented by the City of Evanston’s Cultural Arts Division and are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
2008 sponsors:






