For more than 20 years, the arrival of a tent on the North House campus has heralded the arrival of fall along the North Shore. Started through a chance meeting between North House’s Executive Director Greg Wright and acclaimed songwriter John Vezner, this event has had many iterations over the last two decades, bringing tens of thousands of guests to Cook County to enjoy incredible musical performances and raise funds for the folk school.

“Unplugged is the kind of event most organizations dream of when hosting a fundraiser,” said Wright. “It’s served us incredibly well and we’re excited to try some new things this year to help it welcome more neighbors to campus, connect participants more directly with craft, and raise even more support for the work of North House - especially scholarships and afterschool programs for local kids.”

To accomplish that, North House is making this year’s concert completely free for all to attend. “It’s going to be a fantastic night on the harbor that creates an opportunity for us to gather with friends and neighbors, and say a huge ‘thank you’ for all that this community does,” said Wright. Similar to the Summer Solstice Pageant, attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs to campus on Friday, Sept. 19. Campus opens at 5pm for the 7pm concert with Jeffrey Foucault and Kris Delmhorst. “We’ll have free pie from Crosby Bakery and craft demonstrations ahead of the concert, and we hope to see you there!” added Wright. 

Saturday morning will feature the fourth year of the free family concert. This year, the morning gathering is hosted in partnership with Fire in the Village, a nonprofit collective of cultural organizers and artists. Starting at 9am, there will be craft opportunities for all ages to come and experience the fun of North House, followed by a concert with Annie Humphrey starting at 10am. As has become tradition, Superior Creamery will be on campus too, this year offering a free scoop of ice cream! 

Saturday night’s fundraising event is also evolving. “I think we threw a pretty great party under the tent,” said Jessa Frost, North House’s Program Director, “But this year’s party will be the best one yet!” A wide range of local food and beverage vendors will be on campus as part of the event, all participants will get a chance to participate in a unique craft adventure, and there will be a few fun surprises along the way as well. “Best of all, it’s all included with the purchase of your ticket!” added Frost.

For more information on this year’s event, visit Northhouse.org/events/Unplugged

 Photo provided