Marist High School welcomes back some alumni onstage and behind the scenes for the second annual Southside SummerFest July 22 in Chicago.
The Rev. Tom Hurley from Marist High School’s class of 1985 suggested the inaugural festival after joining the staff full time in 2021.
“For more than 18 years I was closely involved in the World’s Largest Block Party at Old St. Pat’s,” said Hurley, a former pastor of Old St. Patrick’s, about the event which took place from 1985 to 2019 at the Catholic community in Chicago’s West Loop.
“I missed having a block party so I figured let’s throw another block party on the South Side. I saw how it could bring people together and how you could support a great cause.”
Live music at Marist High School’s stadium includes American Pie, which is billed as Americana then and now, and plays hits by artists including Zac Brown, The Lumineers and Dave Matthews.
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“Our first act is made up of some Marist graduates,” said Hurley about American Pie, which includes Tom Dignan, a 1993 graduate, and alum Bob Fitzpatrick.
The concert lineup also includes Mr. Blotto, which is billed as Chicago’s original jam band and performs both originals and covers of songs by artists such as Grateful Dead.
Rounding out the live music is Freddy Jones Band, which continues to tour for the 30th anniversary of “In a Daydream,” a hit from the group’s 1992 debut album, “The Freddy Jones Band,” and which also appeared on the group’s Capricorn Records debut, 1993’s “Waiting for the Night.”
“The music committee got together and said, ‘These are three bands that would appeal to the audience that comes to SummerFest. People will love them,'” said Hurley, Marist High School’s vice president of mission and advancement.
The fest behind the scenes includes Dave Cahill, a 1990s Marist High School graduate and key account manager for Lakeshore Beverage, and Bob Collins, a 1983 graduate and president of Windy City Distributing, which Reyes Beverage Group merged with Chicago Beverage Systems.
“Last year we didn’t have any Miller products. Now we have Miller products and Bud products as well as India pale ales and stuff like that. We have wine this year. We didn’t have wine last year,” said Hurley, who is also chaplain at Marist High School, where he has been celebrating Mass for 30 years.
“Lou Malnati’s is the only food vendor because they’re one of the main sponsors of the event.”
The festival also features a raffle.
“We’re going to be raffling off some custom-made beanbag sets and we’ve got some Yeti coolers,” said Hurley, who grew up in Chicago’s Beverly-Morgan Park area and now lives in Palos Heights.
Southside SummerFest benefits Marist High School, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with money raised going toward scholarships and facility improvements.
“We want everybody to come, have a good time and enjoy a summer night together. This should be a wonderful opportunity to get outside to enjoy friendship and community,” said Hurley, who was on Marist High School’s board for 20 years.
“All are welcome and all are one.”
Southside SummerFest
When: 4-10 p.m. July 22
Where: Marist High School’s stadium, 4200 W. 115th St., Chicago
Tickets: $35 in advance or $40 on event day; $150 VIP; ages 21 and older only
Information: 773-881-5300; marist.net
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.