Since 1981, Fitzgeralds have been celebrating American music the best way they know how, with live music. Now in 2022, they return with another lineup that is a various as their neighborhood. Starting Friday, Berwyn, Illinois will be the place to be for live Blues, Rock, New Orleans Jazz and other Americana. Not only that, but serving up some of the Midwest’s finest BBQ.
Here is the breakdown on what’s happening:
What:39th Annual FITZGERALDS American Music Festival (first time back since 2019, diverse mix of roots, rock, blues, R&B and soul, Latin, New Orleans jazz from across the country (Son Volt, North Mississippi Allstars, Rebirth Brass Band, Alejandro Escovedo, Marshall Crenshaw) and Chicago (Waco Brothers, Robbie Fulks, Ike Reilly, Michael McDermott) and featuring festival intro of BABYGOLD BARBECUE (newest restaurant by award-winning chef John Manion of El Che Steakhouse & Bar, La Sirena Clandestina).
When:Friday July 1, 2022 (Doors: 4:00 p.m. / Show time: 5:00 p.m.), Saturday 7/2 – Monday 7/4 (Doors: 11:00 a.m. / Show time: 12:00 p.m.) Rain or shine. Children under 12 free until 10:00 p.m. with paid adult.
Where: FITZGERALDS – 6615 Roosevelt Road in Berwyn (map)
Cost: $50 each day, $175 4-day via Ticketweb. Children under 12 free until 10:00 p.m. with paid adult admission.
Performers at the 39th Annual FITZGERALDS American Music Festival include:
Friday July 1:Son Volt (Alt-country / Belleville, IL), Jon Dee Graham (Country / Austin, TX), Waco Brothers (Rock / Chicago, IL), Jackie Venson (R&B / Austin, TX) The Heavy Sounds (Soul, Funk / Chicago, IL).
Saturday July 2: Rebirth Brass Band (Jazz, Funk / New Orleans, LA), Marshall Crenshaw (Rock / Detroit, MI), Sarah Borges (Rock, Alt-country / Boston, MA), Daddy Long Legs (Blues / Brooklyn, NY), Joel Paterson Band (Blues / Chicago, IL).
Sunday July 3: Alejandro Escovedo (Rock, Alt-country / San Antonio, TX), Ike Reilly Assassination (Rock / Chicago, IL), Lydia Loveless (Country, Honky-tonk / Columbus, OH), CJ Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band (Zydeco / New Orleans, LA), Riley Downing (Country / Holt, MO).
Monday July 4: North Mississippi Allstars (Blues, Rock / Hernando, MS), Marcia Ball (Blues, boogie-woogie / Vinton, LA), Joe Pug (Folk / Austin, TX), Terrance Simien (Zydeco / Lafayette, LA), Shamarr Allen (Funk / New Orleans, LA).
This year’s American Music Festival marks the festival debut of BABYGOLD BARBEQUE. The classic American barbecue restaurant is the latest culinary endeavor by award-winning chef and acclaimed restaurateur John Manion. Located next to FITZGERALDS, BABYGOLD Barbecue’s full menu featuring barbecue staples like smoked brisket, ribs, and pork shoulder along with Creole-inspired dishes like po’ boy sandwiches and Cajun brussels sprouts will be served and sit-down service will be available.