June 06, 2017

Sunset Concerts begin June 15

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The 39th season of the ever-popular Sunset Concert Series kicks off on June 15 with the Boston-based, high-energy soul rock band Barrence Whitfield and the Savages.

The 2017 season features an eclectic selection of musical performances, running the gamut from reggae to Latin folk, from rock to Zydeco and beyond. The concerts begin at 7 p.m. each Thursday through July 27 and the location alternates between Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Shryock Auditorium steps and Turley Park, on the west side of Carbondale. All of the concerts are free and open to the public.

The SIU Student Center and Student Programming Council are partnering with the city of Carbondale and the Carbondale Park District to sponsor the family friendly events. Each show lasts about two hours and those attending are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs.

The 2017 Sunset Concert Series schedule, along with the concert location, type of music, and band website, includes:

  • June 15 – Barrence Whitfield and the Savages of Boston, Shryock steps, five-piece soul punk, high-energy rock band, http://barrencewhitfieldsavages.com/.
  • June 22 – Version City Tour from New Brunswick, N. J., and the New York ska scene, Turley Park, an all-star reggae, dance hall, ska band featuring King Django, Brian Hill of NC’s Regatta 69 and John DeCarlo of the ska band Westbound Train. https://www.reverbnation.com/VersionCityTour.
  • June 29 – Kiko Villamizar of Austin, Texas, Shryock, a Latin roots/folk artist who recently released his first album, Aquas Frias, fusing Afro-Columbian, reggae and other Latin styles, https://www.kikovillamizar.com/.
  • July 6 – King Mixer of Chicago, Turley Park, SIU alumnus Eric Howell presenting alternative or album rock that’s reminiscent of Paul McCartney, Paul Simon and R.E.M., http://kingmixermusic.com/.  
  • July 13 – Cha Wa of Crescent City/New Orleans, Shryock, performing Zydeco and the fused Mardi Gras and street level funk music that creates Mardi Gras Indian funk, http://www.chawaband.com/.
  • July 20 – Ivas John of Cape Girardeau, Mo., Turley Park, one of the region’s legendary blues performers pays musical tribute to local blues legend Sharon Clark, the region’s “Queen of Blues,” who passed away in January, http://www.ivasjohn.com/.
  • July 27 – Taj Weekes and Adowa of the New York area, Shryock, the socially conscious reggae band features dynamic music and the creative poetic songs of writer Weekes, https://tajweekes.com/.

For nearly four decades the Sunset Concerts have been a staple of the region, typically drawing large crowds each week. To assure a safe and enjoyable evening for all in attendance, there are a few restrictions. Glass bottles, pets and smoking are prohibited. Underage drinking laws are enforced and those attending may only bring single-serve containers.

For additional information about the 2017 Sunset Concert Series, contact the Office of Student Engagement at 618/453-5714, visit the website at http://studentcenter.siu.edu/activities/student-center-programs/sunset-concerts.php or follow the Student Center on Facebook or Twitter.