What and who is it?
FREE Thursday evening outdoor concert in the park.
The great Makaya McCraven and his band are the headliners. Makaya McCraven is a prolific drummer, composer, and producer with roots in jazz and world music forming his unique and powerful sound. He lives in Chicago and is on the International Anthem record label. His latest album, In These Times, was considered one of the best jazz releases of 2022.
Funk Almighty open the show. They are a fabulous Pop/R&B band from Chicago and comprised of Indiana University students and alumni.
When is it?
Thursday, June 15 with Funk Almighty beginning at 6:00 PM. The music will end around 9:00 PM.
Where is it?
Switchyard Park is located at 1601 S. Rogers Street, Bloomington, Indiana 47403. The Switchyard Park sits on the B-line Trail and is conveniently walkable from downtown Bloomington. The live music takes place on the Switchyard Park main stage on the east side of the park.
What does it cost to attend?
The concert is free for everyone. Parking is also free. There is parking available at Switchyard Park, but it is limited and could fill up. If needed, overflow parking will be allowed in a clearly marked and attended lot on Rogers Street just north of the park. Follow the concert parking signs.
What else do I need to know?
Thanks to Food Truck Friday for arranging for several food trucks to be there selling food beginning at approximately 4:00 PM. Those include Bloom Burger, Elli-May’s Smoked BBQ, Arepa Burger, Pili’s Party Taco, Pinoy Garden Café, Uno Mas Taco Truck, and Jay’s Kitchen.
There will be a fenced 21-years-old and over alcoholic beverage area on the concert lawn that will be free to enter and purchase beer and wine. Again, must be 21 to enter and security will be present there and throughout the park. You cannot take alcoholic beverages out of this fenced in area.
Bring your outdoor chairs and blankets to lounge on the concert lawn and enjoy the show. Coolers with food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed.
Landlocked Music will be at the park selling merchandise for Makaya McCraven.
Greg Ward plays saxophone in Makaya McCraven’s band and is also a professor at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. The Greg Ward Quartet plays an after show at the Orbit Room later on Thursday night.
Makaya McCraven is the first concert of a three part Switchyard Park Thursday Night Summer Music Series. On July 20, Shannon & The Clams headline with opening sets by Say She She and Abby Jeanne. Coming on August 24, are Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway with support from Henhouse Prowlers.
These Thursday night concerts are brought to you by Visit Bloomington, Bloomington Parks & Recreation Department, Indiana University Arts & Humanities Council, All American Storage, and the Orbit Room.
