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, 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.
“I’m very excited that we are becoming a premier, free, community hotspot for ‛ol’ school’ entertainment,’” Miller says of the family-friendly evenings. “This year, we are showcasing jazz, blues and just that — ol’ 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)
June 19 — Jazz Flux
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
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.