Chicago’s Soul: The Words and Music of Gwendolyn Brooks and Curtis Mayfield

Chicago Artists Celebrate Chicago Artists in

September 13 at Garfield Park (100 N Central Park Ave)

Through Night Out in the Parks

‍

This summer, three Chicago parks will come alive with the artistic brilliance of two legendary Chicago artists when journalist Cheryl Corley and singer/songwriter Lucy Smith, both Chicago natives, perform Chicago’s Soul: The Words and Music of Gwendolyn Brooks and Curtis Mayfield. The free performances, presented through the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks program, take place Saturday, July 26 at 5 p.m. at Sherman (John) Park; Saturday, August 16 at 4 p.m. at Warren (Laurence) Park; and Saturday, September 13 at 5 p.m. at Garfield (James) Park.

‍

‍Gwendolyn Brooks, who grew up in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood to become one of the most important American poets of the 20th century, published more than 20 books and hundreds of poems, including “We Real Cool” and “Paul Robeson.” Celebrated for her exploration of Black heritage and culture, she was the first Black person to win the Pulitzer Prize (1950) in any category. In 1968, she was named Illinois Poet Laureate and held that title until her death on December 3, 2000. Her national awards and honors include her 1988 induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and her 1985 appointment as Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress (later renamed U.S. Poet Laureate).  

‍

‍Curtis Mayfield, raised in the Chicago Housing Authority’s Cabrini Green complex, was an influential American singer-songwriter and guitarist renowned for his contributions to soul and R&B music. Beginning his career with The Impressions, he continued for four decades as a solo artist and producer. His prolific compositions included the songs “Move On Up” and “Choice of Colors” and the score for the film Superfly. He was nominated for eight Grammy Awards and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995.