For years I have been attending (and performing in) the Unity Temple Spring Music Festival (SMF) held at Unity Temple, the UNESCO-designated World Heritage site in Oak Park.
Featuring the best amateur and professional talent from the congregation, it strikes me as a best-kept secret that in recent years has grown in popularity beyond the walls of this faith community. In one concert, this fundraiser offers multiple genres of music from an annually changing lineup of performers.
One memorable act from several years ago was the congregation’s “house band,” the Unity Temple Players, performing the Side Two medley from the Beatle’s Abbey Road. The Players are the event’s anchor act; they also back up some of the other performers.
Two years ago, the evening’s highlight for me was a very talented youth performer’s impassioned rendition of a Sara Bareilles song. This year’s concert will highlight pop, classic rock, flamenco, folk, classical, country and theatrical music on the same program!
I’m not aware of anywhere else in the Chicago area that presents this variety of programming in one event. The 2025 SMF is this Saturday, April 26, at 7 p.m., which gives patrons the rare opportunity to see the interior of the historic Frank Lloyd Wright building at night. It is a beautiful, musically intimate space and the sound is always well balanced.
The SMF has a home-grown vibe, yet with a smoothly running, professional persona. The show generates what I experience as an electricity that creates a palpable sense of community among the attendees. And can’t we all benefit from that right now! It has been very gratifying for me to be involved in presenting this evening of entertainment for the community. I recommend that you check out this very affordable antidote to Chicago’s blustery weather. Tickets ($20 advance/$25 door/$5 13 & under) are available online until 10 p.m. Friday at https://onrealm.org/unitytemple/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=MTliMzMzOTAtYzk4OC00YjQ2LWI5ODMtYjI4ZjAxNzNlNWVj and at the door.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Jim Parks
Co-organizer