The Magic Carpet at Kenwood Gardens

We are thrilled to bring back our free concert series at Kenwood Gardens! From May to October, we will collaborate with local musicians and instrumental ensembles to bring free concerts to neighbors and friends at Kenwood Gardens each month.

On Saturday, September 23, 6-8pm, join us as the Magic Carpet takes the stage at Kenwood Gardens. Magic Carpet honors ancient music while taking a bold step into the future. Transcending geographical boundaries, this music group takes the audience on an exhilarating ride through time and space. With the vibrations of Jazz, Reggae, and Funk, blended with the traditions of Africa, the Middle East, and India, Magic Carpet embarks on a spiritual journey every time they take off. The eclectic ensemble is composed of, Derf Noskcaj aka Fred Jackson (alto sax), Ryan "Ra'yon" Mayer (percussion) , Makaya McCraven aka "Lord Bang" (drum set) Parish "Pfunk" Hick (bass guitar) Tim "Cream"Jones (guitar), and introducing Tracey King, the Creative, who blends lyrical spoken Word with movement to melody.

In 2020, Rebuild Foundation transformed thirteen formerly vacant city lots into a thriving urban oasis in the Greater Grand Crossing community. The outdoor gardens, which are home to native and regionally appropriate flora and fauna, offer visitors immersive experiences in the natural environment, providing opportunities to engage with health, wellness, music, education and cultural programming amongst carefully curated and sustainably sourced plants and animal life.

The free summer concert series at Kenwood Gardens reinforces Rebuild Foundation’s commitment to providing accessible world-class cultural amenities to neighbors and friends on the South Side. This series is an extension of Rebuild Foundation’s support for local artists and musicians through robust music programming across their sites.

These performances are free, open to the public and appropriate for all ages. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and layer clothing for evenings with chillier forecasts. Seating is first-come, first-serve. We kindly ask that all are respectful of our neighbors and ecosystem at the gardens. For these reasons, outside alcohol, cooking grills, and smoking of any kind are not permitted on the grounds. Bag checks will take place at both entrances to the gardens.