Three cheers for the Jackson Mud band! The Chicago blues group led by Josh Caterer performed a free concert on Saturday, August 13th at 931 Lake Street, in the parking lot of Calvary Memorial Church. Concert goers donated more than $1,200 to Hephzibah Children’s Association.
At 5 pm, just as a perfect summer day was drawing to a close, people gathered with blankets and lawn chairs to hear some classic blues. The scene was relaxed and neighborly with seniors tapping their toes alongside babies in strollers. People sat down to chat and enjoy the evening while volunteers cooked up $2 burgers at the concession stand, kids decorated the pavement with chalk drawings, and a casual bag-toss game took place on the sidelines.
Jackson Mud’s easy mix of old favorites and newer tunes was well received by the audience. Caterer, a Chicago- area musician best known for his role in the band Smoking Popes, currently serves as Calvary Memorial’s pastor of worship and music.
“The concert was a way for everyone in the community to support the outstanding work being done here in Oak Park by groups such as Hephzibah,” said Jonny Cummings, pastor of local and global outreach at Calvary Memorial.
Some members of the congregation serve as foster parents; others have gotten to know Hephzibah through volunteering to provide Sunday suppers at the Group Home. And although the event took place in the church parking lot, its goal was not to promote a particular faith, but to say thank you to Oak Park. Thanks to everyone who supported this wonderful evening!