Stomping Grounds Open Stage Returns to Marquette Park
On July 23, 2026, Stomping Grounds Literary Arts Initiative returned to The Anchor at Marquette Park for our annual Summer Open Stage Series. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the park, the evening was filled with music, poetry, storytelling, laughter, heartfelt moments, and unforgettable collaborations. From the first performer to the final feature, the energy never stopped, reminding us why Open Stage continues to be a space where artists and community can come together in meaningful ways.
At the top of this page you'll find the full event livestream, our recap video, featured performances by Binkey and Neko Suave, and individual videos from each Open Stage performer.
Community at the Heart of Marquette Park
Returning to Marquette Park each summer has become one of our favorite traditions. It is always a pleasure collaborating with the incredible Marquette Park staff, especially the Music Department, whose commitment to arts education and community continues to inspire us.
We're especially grateful to The Anchor at Marquette Park for once again providing such a welcoming home for Open Stage. Over the past three summers, this beautiful space has become more than a venue—it has become a gathering place where artists, neighbors, families, and first-time performers come together to celebrate creativity and build lasting connections.
One of the evening's highlights came from Matt Reagan, who delivered an incredible horn performance alongside one of his students on drums. The performance beautifully demonstrated the power of mentorship and music education, but Matt's reflection afterward perfectly summed up why this partnership has become so meaningful.
As Matt shared:
"The biggest benefit of hosting Open Stage in your space is that its community can come into close contact with yours. The artists and creatives who come to an Open Stage event are talented, generous, and patient, enabling your community to feel that what they do is accessible to anyone who wants to reach greater expression in the arts.
To host Open Stage is to give your regular community members insight into a new way of approaching creative expression—one that may be very different from the arts experiences your space regularly offers. This has been of tremendous value to both Marquette Park and the Marquette Park Music Program."
Hearing those words meant a great deal to our team. One of SGLAI's goals has always been to create spaces where experienced artists, young people, neighborhood residents, and first-time performers feel equally welcomed. Knowing that Open Stage has become a bridge between our community and the Marquette Park community is one of the greatest compliments we could receive.
Open Stage Performers
Open Stage wouldn't exist without the artists willing to step up to the microphone and share a piece of themselves.
This month's performers included:
Zo1Love (@zo1love)
Adrian Parris (@adrianparris_)
Indiglo (@47indiglo)
Taller Guerrero (@tallerguerrero_)
Sunshine Tsunamii (@sunshine.tsunamii)
King Maino (@kingmaino2pressure)
Each artist brought their own perspective, style, and voice to the stage. We encourage you to watch each performance below and continue supporting these incredible creatives by following their work on social media.
Featured Artists: Binkey & Neko Suave
This month's co-features, Binkey and Neko Suave, delivered one of the most collaborative performances we've ever hosted at Open Stage.
Using live vocals, talk box, drum machines, loop pedals, and improvisation, they transformed The Anchor into an interactive musical experience that blurred the line between performers and audience. Throughout the evening, they invited collaboration, creating spontaneous moments that made every performance feel unique.
One of the night's biggest surprises came when Taste of Chicago 2026 Karaoke Champion Crystal Giles joined the feature performance, taking the energy to another level and creating one of the evening's most memorable moments.
Reflecting on the experience, Binkey shared:
"I loved performing at the park by the water with Stomping Grounds. It was a peaceful gathering of art, love and joy! It was the epitome of summertime Chi and I can't wait to do it again. Elgin is a masterful curator of a really cool event!"
Neko Suave added:
"One of my favorite performance experiences of the year so far. Awesome performance space, wonderful community turnout, and high vibrations. THIS is what it's all about. Extremely welcoming hosts made sure we had everything we needed. Looking forward to the next!"
Their reflections perfectly capture the atmosphere we strive to create every month.
The Team Behind the Mic
Every Open Stage is powered by an incredible team working behind the scenes.
A huge thank you to our host CeeBaby, whose energy, humor, and care continue to set the tone for the evening while protecting the integrity of the space.
Thank you to DJ 1Solo, whose music created the soundtrack for the entire night and kept the energy flowing from beginning to end.
We're also grateful to Cassius for helping record the event so these performances can continue inspiring audiences long after the evening concluded.
Why This Work Matters
One of the evening's most meaningful reflections came from Senyah Haynes, who attended after serving as Interim Director of Organizational Development for SGLAI earlier this year.
She shared:
"Why do I support Stomping Grounds LAI? Because behind the open mic monthly, there are hundreds of youth in carceral spaces who receive arts programming due to the efforts of this organization!"
Her words are a powerful reminder that Open Stage is about much more than a monthly event.
Every artist who performs, every audience member who attends, and every community partner who supports this work helps us continue providing free literary, visual, and audio arts programming for incarcerated and criminalized youth throughout Chicago.
Thank You
We would like to thank everyone who made this evening possible:
Every Open Stage performer who shared their gifts.
Featured artists Binkey and Neko Suave.
Crystal Giles for joining the feature performance.
Matt Reagan and the Marquette Park Music Department.
Our incredible host CeeBaby.
DJ 1Solo.
Cassius for assisting with event recording.
The staff of Marquette Park and The Anchor for their continued partnership.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended, applauded, encouraged one another, and helped create such a welcoming atmosphere.
Watch the Performances
Be sure to explore everything from the evening:
Binkey & Neko Suave Featured Performance
Thank you for continuing to support Stomping Grounds Literary Arts Initiative and our mission of creating spaces where artists can be heard, communities can connect, and creativity can thrive.
We'll see you next month at JVN Night at the Argyle Night Market.
Because what is support without community?
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