Lincoln Park Live, the most celebrated weekday music series continues on Wednesday (July 27) with Chicago’s hottest reggae group, The Tropics Reggae Band. The Tropics Reggae Band, led by guitarist and vocalist Mike Dangeroux, is a five-piece Chicago-based, high-tempo group providing the very popular genre of Jamaican origin that combines native styles with elements of rock, rhythm and blues, jazz, calypso, African, and Latin American music.
Dangeroux was born in Chicago and graduated from the Berklee College of Music. He has been hailed as one of the top guitarists in the world. He performs a variety of musical genres, from classics to contemporary hits. His band offers over 500 popular songs in their repertoire along with original work.
“The City of Kenosha is proud to partner with the Mahone Fund, in collaboration with the Lincoln Park neighborhood, to present another season of free, amazing live music, food, and entertainment for all ages. Come join us in Lincoln Park for dancing, great food, and new friendships!” said 12th District Alderwoman Ruth Dyson.
Lincoln Park Live Music Series is organized by the Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Fund (component of Kenosha Community Foundation). The park opens at 5 p.m. and music begins at 6 p.m. each night. The free music series is open to the public. Delicious food, soda and water will be provided by local vendors Fry Daddy’s and Rocket Tacos. Select wine and cold beer will also be available for purchase. Off-street parking will be located by the Lincoln Park baseball diamonds.
“The concerts are a unique and prized experience of community … Everything good about Kenosha comes together in Lincoln Park… I rarely get to sit and relax amongst friends to enjoy great music, Lincoln Park Live makes for the perfect evening after a day at work,” one Lincoln Park resident said.
The Lincoln Park Live performance lineup continues to be one of the most diverse and unique in the city providing an unforgettable live outdoor music experience in Kenosha’s largest park. This year’s schedule brings a wide variety of R&B, salsa, big band, reggae, New Orleans brass and jazz genres to the flower garden.
The August lineup will consist of two musical performances each night. Kenosha’s renowned big band favorite, The Southport Sound, will hit the stage along with Milwaukee’s riveting Extra Crispy Brass Band on Aug. 10. The series concludes on Aug. 24 with a high energy salsa performance from Milwaukee’s Septeto Charambó band and Racine’s R&B and top 40 sensation Chicken Grease.
The theme for the closing night is “Education – “A Pathway to Success.” The Mahone Fund will host all academic partners including UW-Parkside, Carthage College, Gateway Technical College, Herzing and KUSD to celebrate the fall kickoff of another exciting school year.
Lincoln Park Live
REMAINING PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 10
6 p.m. — The Southport Sound
The Southport Sound, an 11-member show band specializes in big band jazz, Latin and rock suitable for dancing, listening and enjoying.
7:30 p.m. — Extra Crispy Brass Band (New Orleans brass band)
The Extra Crispy Brass Band is an eight-piece ensemble that performs a variety of repertoire ranging from jazz standards to contemporary pop tunes played in the style of a traditional New Orleans street band. The back line is essentially the rhythm section and consists of two drummers and a sousaphone. The drummers play bass drum and snare drum, respectively, both with cymbals. The sousaphone plays the role traditionally occupied by a bass player. The front line consists of two trumpets, one tenor saxophone (doubling on soprano), and two trombones, all of whom double on vocals. The lead vocalist is trombone No. 2. All other vocals provide a powerful background. The ECBB repertoire features extensive instrumental improvisation. Band members will generally use proximity effect to their advantage, backing off the mic for ensemble parts and getting close on solos. The ECBB is at its essence a street band. Performances may include a planned or impromptu acoustic parade to or from the stage, or around the venue.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 24
6 p.m. — Septeto Charambó (salsa)
This unique septet is a modern version of a popular Milwaukee-based salsa band that was making music in the 1980s called Conjunto Charambó. Charambó is a word that came to life by combining two different names of rhythms from the Caribbean, one called Charanga and the other Bomba. Septeto Charambó, reinvented in 2022 by the leader of the 80s band, percussionist Alberto Rivera, this scaled-down septet aims to strengthen the legacy of salsa music in Milwaukee. In addition to Rivera, Ramon Torres lll, another member from the 80s group, joins in on vibraphone. They are accompanied by bassist Rafael Castro Jr. and percussionist Cecilio Negron Jr., who are the sons of two former members of the 80s ensemble. Completing the ensemble are the talents of Joey Sanchez on piano, Salvador Santiago Jr. on timbales and Robert Figueroa on lead vocals. Under the direction of Alberto Rivera, this septet presents a unique style of music called “Salsa Dura” and is guaranteed to get the dance floor packed, inspire listeners, and aims to keep the rich traditions of salsa music in Milwaukee alive. Perfect for all types of venues, corporate events and private occasions.
7:30 p.m. — Chicken Grease (R&B)
A fresh and unique sound formed from freestyle and impromptu. Birthed from organic, positive vibrations, Chicken Grease is presenting something new and inviting to ears that have been yearning to listen and feet that have been itching to dance! Started from attending open jams in various places and creating and smooth, laid-back vibe and soulful sound, the band is not trapped in the box of one genre. Presenting sweet sounds from featured vocalist RaQuel White, she is backed by lead guitarist Freeman Bell, a pioneer yet quiet soul, bringing bluesy/rock elements, while Neal Moore adds more flavor by creating a funky, heavy thump. Keyboardist Kyle King provides sweet out-of-pocket chord progressions and variations, while Dennis Marshall is a surgeon of the percussions with one of the quickest feet around and impeccable timing. His chops are like no other! Chicken Grease is one band sure to get the party started for any occasion. The band is ready to set the mood that is desired.
