First Friday Music Series @ (Sheridan Road between Devon Avenue and Pratt Boulevard)

First Friday Music Series returns to Rogers Park this summer featuring live performances by local musicians along Sheridan Road

Chicago musicians gather on the first Fridays of May, June, and September

to perform live on local business patios

CHICAGO (April 8, 2026) The nonprofit Rogers Park Business Alliance and Sheridan Road Special Service Area #54 are excited to announce the return of the First Friday Music Series, with live performances by local musicians on May 1, June 5, and September 4, 2026, at multiple businesses along Sheridan Road between Devon Avenue and Pratt Boulevard. During these performances, special activations and giveaways will be held at Sister Jean Plaza, located at 6536 N. Sheridan Rd., while supplies last.

Performances on May 1 include Four Star Brass Band at 6 p.m. and Urban Sound at 7 p.m. at Sister Jean Plaza (6536 N. Sheridan Rd.), the Joyce Renee Band including Beau Barry at 6 p.m. and Bob Gerics at 7 p.m. at Mama’s African Kitchen (6606 N. Sheridan Rd.), Casey Neilsen at 6 p.m. and Maja Rios at 7 p.m. at Khami Cambodian Fine Dining (6580 N. Sheridan Rd.), Nicholas Barron at 6 p.m. and Pierce Crask at 7 p.m. at Raising Cane’s (6568 N. Sheridan Rd.), and at 400 Theater (6746 N. Sheridan Rd.) Paul Velat – Sax Bike will perform at 7 p.m.

The full lineup for June and September First Friday performances will be announced at RPBA.org on a later date. Other artists scheduled to perform at later dates include School of Rock, Angry Ankles, Fumee, Brad Meese, Red Line Rustlers, Sarah Coco, Collapsible Pony (F.K.A Lady K & The Back Beats), Val Leaventhal, The Snobs, and Andy Mitchell. First Friday Music Series is presented in partnership with Loyola University Chicago.

About Rogers Park Business Alliance

Rogers Park Business Alliance is a nonprofit organization that has served Chicago’s diverse Rogers Park neighborhood for over 30 years, providing services in both English and Spanish (Hablamos español) to a broad community. RPBA works to cultivate and sustain a thriving economic environment in Rogers Park, serving businesses and residents with a variety of public events and business initiatives. RPBA programs include the GROW/PROGRESANDO entrepreneurial training program, the Illinois Small Business Development Center at RPBA, annual Best of Rogers Park awards, Taco Crawl, Chalk Howard Street, and the Glenwood Sunday Market farmers market. For more information, visit RPBA.org.

About Special Service Area #54

Sheridan Road Special Service Area #54 (SSA #54) serves a vibrant stretch of Rogers Park along Sheridan Road from Devon Avenue to Farwell Avenue. Located just one block from the Lake Michigan shoreline and beaches, the district includes a dynamic mix of residential and commercial uses, as well as the campus of Loyola University Chicago. The area is home to a diverse community of residents, students, and visitors, with a blend of national retailers and independently owned businesses. Including restaurants, cafés, retail shops, a movie theater, salons, bookstores, and specialty stores. SSA #54 is a locally funded tax district that generates revenue through a dedicated property tax to support enhanced services and programs within the area. These services include sidewalk cleaning and seasonal décor, contributing to a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. SSA #54 also supports business growth through initiatives like the Business Improvement Program (BIP). Services are administered by the Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA), the designated service provider. Oversight is provided by a volunteer Commission made up of local stakeholders who guide the budget, programs, and overall vision for the district.