Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- The Village of Park Forest, in conjunction with the 56th Annual Park Forest Art Fair, will host a music festival on Saturday, September 17, 2011 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The lineup of bands performing includes an eclectic mix of renowned artists from the Chicago Southland area. Come on out to downtown Park Forest for a day of rock, jazz, blues and more! Admission is free.
The Big Boppers (11 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Members of the 1970’s rock band “Midnight Express”, John Falstrom (bass guitar) and Frank Anastos (guitar/vocals) play instrumental rock and roll from the ‘50’s – ‘70’s. John and Frank have taught music for decades in the south suburbs and are renowned for their guitar playing skills.
T. L. Williams and "ICE" (12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
T. L. Williams and "ICE" (The Inner City Experience) deliver an entertaining sound of pop and jazz with a band composed of drums, electric bass, keyboard, saxophone, trumpet and vocals. While performing in high school state bands, and receiving a music scholarship to the University of Illinois, T.L. Williams started crafting his own vault of songs. That archive has grown to over 12 albums of R&B/Soul material for T. L. alone, not to mention countless hits waiting for everyone else. Each T. L. Williams song features his introspective songwriting skills, genre-bending production, and tastefully distinctive voice.
Silk & Smooth and The Family Band (2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.)
Silk Williams talent as a vocalist came easy, growing up in a musically gifted family. Her mother, (Joyce Williams) a huge influence in Silk’s musical career, sang jazz locally in nightclubs across the city while her father showcased his talents as an acclaimed drummer. At the tender age of seventeen, Silk discovered her natural talents for singing and after only a few years of private training and studies, she went on to pursue her goals of becoming the passionate vocalist which she is today. Currently Silk is the lead vocalist of "Silk and Smooth and the Family Band."
Sam Fultz, aka Smooth, was born in Chicago and began playing guitar at the tender age of 9, entertaining his family and neighbors at community functions. Sam grew up listening to entertainers like: Wes Motgomery, George Benson, Earl Clue, The Isley Brothers and others.
Copying what he heard, Sam was able to play music by sound. In the early 70’s Sam became so enchanted about the entertainment business, he began to make weekly appearances on the local hit show the Soul Train (Channel 26), hosted by Clinton Jet. Later, Sam began traveling playing guitar behind or being the opening act for many legendaries such as Otis Clay, BB King (opening act), David Cassidy, Ohio Players, Grand Central Station. In keeping with good company, Sam was able to travel across seas in concert with his legendary friends. Sam has made appearances on the Midnight Special and the American Band Stand, hosted by Dick Clarke.
“BLU” WILLIE T & da MID-NITE LOVERS (3:45 – 5 p.m.)
“Blu” WillieT started with his brothers as “Pretty” Willie & the Delta blues Band. Playing the blues clubs of Chicago, Detroit, and St.Louis, “Blu” Willie T made a name for himself as a young firebrand on guitar and as a gifted vocalist. He’s performed alongside Muddy Waters, Lefty Diz, Buddy Guy, Jr. Wells and other blues greats from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. “Blu” Willie and his band members Bradley “D”, Mo Thirus, and Chuck Franklin, perform blues standards and original material.
The event is free to the public. For more information, please call 708/747-0580.
