From jazz and rock to a range of global styles, Harper College’s annual Summer Concert Series will once again bring live music to campus with a lineup of free performances featuring faculty, alumni and Chicago-based artists.
The 2026 series begins May 28 and continues Thursday evenings through August 6 at the Drs. Kenneth and Catherine Ender Outdoor Pavilion on Harper’s Palatine campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road. Each concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
“This is a great opportunity to sit and listen to some live music in a very welcoming setting,” said Kirby Fellis, series organizer, and Harper music instructor. “I made sure to book a diverse group of different musical flavors.”
Indeed, the lineup showcases a broad range of musical styles and performers, most of which have a connection to Harper. Some groups feature music faculty, while others highlight the talents of alumni or area musicians who have come to campus to help instruct music students. Highlights include the Latin music of Sandra Antongiorgi, the South Asian folk songs of Butter Chicken, the modern R&B of the Evon J. Sams Sextet and the rock ’n’ roll of Blitzer – which features recent Harper alum Madison Kehl.
Fellis, who is also a professional musician and director of the Harper College Jazz Ensemble, drew on his experience booking for music venues and festivals as well as his connections in the Chicago music scene. He will also be on stage during the series, playing trombone in the “jazz-adjacent” Iris, a quintet that released its self-titled debut album in 2024 on Shifting Paradigm Records.
Since beginning in 2021, Harper’s annual series has become a summertime tradition at Harper, offering audiences the opportunity to experience professional-caliber performances in an outdoor setting while highlighting the college’s music faculty, alumni connections and commitment to arts programming.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, as seating is not provided. Free parking is available nearby in lots 9 and 10; enter at Harper’s Euclid Avenue entrance. If it rains, performances may be moved indoors. Check out the full schedule below.
May 28 – Max Osawa
June 4 – Sandra Antongiorgi
June 11 – Diego Rodriguez Big Band
June 18 – Arman Sangalang Quartet
June 25 – String Fusion
July 2 – Evon J. Sams Sextet
July 9 – Interlace
July 16 – Harper Guitar Legacy
July 23 – Blitzer
July 30 – Iris
August 6 – Butter Chicken