Local legends, old-school favorites, family acts and an up-and-coming bluesman are among this year’s performers at summertime outdoor hotspot.
When St. Ann Center founder and president, Sister Edna Lonergan, envisioned building a band shell set into the grassy slope behind the organization’s North Ave. Bucyrus Campus, she really envisioned community the way it used to be. People – of all ages and abilities – enjoying each other, the summer sun and warm breezes, live music and plenty of room to move to it. Or set up a picnic, or a game of bags.
Five years later, the band shell — built in partnership with Parklawn Assembly of God church across the street – is home to Indaba Nights, a free, Wednesday-night summer concert series helmed by St. Ann Center Special Event Director Gloria Miller. Featuring a different performer each week during the months of June, July and August, plus the first weekend of September, the entertainment happens from 6:30 p.m.to 8:30 p.m. on the grounds of the Bucyrus Campus at 2450 W. North Ave.
The Band Shell features paved walkways from the parking lot, wheelchair accessible seating and bathrooms, and food and beverages for purchase, all in a beautiful, natural setting. Attendees are also welcome to bring a picnic or cooler of their own.
“I’m very excited that we are becoming a premier, free, community hotspot for ‛old-school’ entertainment,” Miller says of the family-friendly evenings. “This year, we are showcasing jazz, blues and just that — ‛old-school’ entertainment. With many of the bands, you will be able to travel down memory lane, singing along and dancing.”
Here is the 2024 Indaba Nights lineup*
June 5 — Tony T N T Washington & His Explosive Divas
June 12 — Stephen Hull (managed through ACA Entertainment)
A crowd begins to gather at Indaba Nights in July 2023
June 19 — Center closed for Juneteenth Day
June 26 — ESQUIRES II
July 3 — Love, Peace & Soul Band
July 10 — Mahogany Soul
July 17 — Family Affair Band
July 24 — Cigarette Break (managed through ACA Entertainment)
July 31 — Joe Jordan & the Soul Trio
August 7 — Marvelous Mack
August 14 — Adekola Adedapo & Friends
August 21 — Holiday Revue featuring Jeannie Holiday
August 28 – Christopher’s Project
Sept. 4 – Jazz Flux
St. Ann Center would like to thank our 2024 Indaba Nights sponsors, without whom the series would not be possible:
- Milwaukee County Office of Equity
- Gershia Coggs & G. Spencer Coggs
- Black Excellence Awards
- Grandma Book’s World
- AARP
- World Mission Ministries
- Gloria Miller
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter
* Schedule subject to change. Visit our Facebook page for news, updates, a performer application and photos from our 2024 Indaba Ball. For more information please contact Special Events Director Gloria Miller at 414-210-2428.
