All of these concert jams are organized to raise awareness for the importance of saving the old Maxwell Street.

See famed Blues vocalist Shirley King with her three piece band from 11:00AM to 3:00PM at the corner of Halsted of Maxwell, across from Original Jim's Hot Dog stand. She will be playing on the outdoor Juketown Community bandstand built by Blues and folk artist Frank Little Sonny Scott Jr.. Between tours, Ms King, the daughter of B.B. King, likes to come down to Maxwell Street. Ms. King says, "I was raised in a Blues family just outside of Memphis. Being down on Maxwell Street makes me feel like I am home again." Says Steve Balkin, Vice President of the Maxwell Street Historic Preservation Coalition, " She is earthy and sensual and really interested in communicating to her audience. It's great she understands the magic of Maxwell Street. She works especially well with children, encouraging them to sing along and to learn about their Blues heritage. It’s a real treat to see her perform live out on the street that created urban electric Blues. But if people can't make it down to Maxwell Street, I recommend they get her Diva Records CD, Daughter of the Blues."

Shirley King can be contracted through her agent, Stark Talent 734-699-6383.

Al Harris, a drummer and singer, is a long time veteran of playing on Maxwell Street. He started out playing with David Lindsey's band by the Blues tree in back of Nates Deli. Now with his own band, he sings Blues and R and B classics. Al Harris has been a long time and enthusiastic supporter of Maxwell Street preservation.

Says Steve Balkin of the Maxwell Street Coalition, "His Sam Cooke style of singing is very emotional and filled with funky soul. The Six Pack R and B band is a great back up for Harris. Their moving beat and lighting licks keep you really focused on the whole powerful experience. When seeing Al Harris perform, sometimes I feel I am at bawdy tavern and sometimes I feel like I am Church. He does it all."

Al Harris and the band will be playing first at the New Maxwell Street Market at the NW corner of Roosevelt and Canal from 11:00AM to 2PM, and then from, 3PM to 6PM, he will be playing in the old Maxwell Street neighborhood at the corner of Halsted and Maxwell Streets.

Al Harris can be contacted at 312-226-3165

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