A Charles Stepney Father's Day Celebration

Rebuild Foundation is thrilled to partner with International Anthem and the Stepney Sisters to present a special Father's Day tribute to celebrated producer, arranger and composer, Charles Stepney, at Kenwood Gardens. This celebration joins a collection of initiatives paying homage to the Chicago-born legend's legacy as part of the the Summer of Stepney series.

Rotary Connection 222 is a new large ensemble that celebrates and performs the music of Charles Stepney. Stepney was an essential creative force behind seminal recordings by Earth, Wind & Fire, Deniece Williams, Ramsey Lewis, Minnie Riperton, Marlena Shaw, Muddy Waters, and many more before his untimely death in 1976.

Rotary Connection 222 was created by bassist and bandleader Junius Paul in collaboration with The Stepney Family, and features Makaya McCraven (drums), Jackson Shepard (guitar), Alexis Lombre (keys), Meagan McNeal (vocals), and Stepney’s granddaughter Brandice Manuel (vocals).

For this special Father's Day celebration, RC222's set will be preceded by Chicago culture historian Ayana Contreras in conversation with Stepney's daughters Eibur, Charlene and Chanté Stepney as they share stories, memories and insight about their father.

For more information, visit www.summerofstepney.com.