The RHS Facebook page is a rich archive of history-related posts by Carol Flynn, RHS Facebook admin and writer until mid-2025. Carol prolifically wrote a wide variety of meticulously researched local history articles for RHS. She continues to write for the Beverly Review and other media sources with articles particularly focused on local Ridge history.
Givins Castle Concert Series
Jazz is a uniquely American art form. Originating in the African-American community of New Orleans in the early 1900s, jazz has its roots in ragtime and the blues. As jazz spread it was influenced by other cultures, leading to the many subgenres of today. But key to all types of jazz is improvisation.
Tonight was a simply brilliant jazz performance at the Givins Castle (103rd St. and Longwood Drive, Chicago) by the Larry Gray Trio, pictured here. That's Larry on the right, drummer Charles "Rick" Heath, and guitarist John Moulder.
This is a plug for the music series going on in the Beverly/Morgan Park community this year. The series creator is John Devens, previously the proprietor of the World Folk Music Co. on 103rd St. Since Fall 2018, he has arranged memorable concerts at the Castle and the Heritage Gallery (1907 W. 103rd St.).
Three more events will take place this Spring. On March 30, Michael Peter Smith will perform at the Heritage Gallery.
On April 27, the septet Come Sunday will appear at the Castle.
Contemporary folk singer-songwriter Anne Hill will appear at the Heritage Gallery on May 18.
There is an added historical preservation bonus to this series. The suggested donation for a ticket is $20. The proceeds from the events at the Castle are donated to the Castle building restoration fund. The 1886-87 historic structure (second picture) is feeling its age and needs repair work on the turrets.
The concerts were underwritten by the late Dean Miller, in memory of his late wife Martha Herriott Swift.
For more information on the concerts call (773) 466-9339 or visit https://www.heritagecastleconcerts.org.
The Ridge Historical Society supports the efforts to restore the Givins Castle, Beverly Hills/Morgan Park area's most recognized landmark. A series of world folk music concerts have gone on since last Fall at the Castle, with the proceeds (after a few expenses) all going to the Castle Restoration Fund. The series was underwritten by the late Dean Miller, in memory of his late wife, Martha Herriott Swift. The last concert of the series (with the money going to the Castle) for this year will be held on Saturday, April 27, at 7:00 p.m. at the Castle, 10244 S. Longwood Drive. The performers are the group Come Sunday.
A description of the group: "Come Sunday is a Chicago-based Jazz septet heavily influenced by the musical genres indigenous to North America: jazz, blues, folk. In Come Sunday the genres are melded together into one swingin’ good time, then delivered by four powerful singers and the deep grooves of a crazy-good rhythm section."
The band has a Facebook page so you can check them out. Come Sunday
The concert series is arranged by John Devens, who owned/operated the World Folk Music Center on 103rd Street for many years. People were very upset when that venue closed, but they can still enjoy the concerts John books through this series. And the one thing everyone agrees on is that John Devens knows the best talent from the Chicago music scene.
To reserve a seat for this concert, you can just respond to this post THROUGH THE RIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY (NOT ANY "SHARES" WHICH RHS WON'T SEE), and we'll get the info to the Castle. Please give name and number of seats you want. The suggested donation is $20 per person and you can pay at the door. Thank you. For information on the Castle restoration itself, visit that page. Givins Beverly Castle
For some reason I cannot figure out, this post will not share. If you want to send it to someone else, let me know and I can send it.