MORGAN PARK — A strict "no cannonball" policy will be enforced from 7-9 p.m. July 16 at the pool in Kennedy Park.
The restriction is meant to protect Joey Digs & The Dentist, a live band that will perform on the deck of the public pool at 11320 S. Western Ave. in Morgan Park.
Aside from the fear of being splashed, Bob Fitzpatrick said the band was excited to perform for park patrons and others interested taking in the free show while chilling out in the 50-meter pool.
"It's just awesome to see for the neighborhood," said Fitzpatrick, who is the "dentist" in the local cover band.
Fitzpatrick also plays guitar and pitches in on vocals with the group. His longtime pal Tom Dignan is the lead vocalist. Joe Cappetto is the drummer, and Mike Ellis plays bass guitar.
The band performs an eclectic mix of cover tunes from artists such as Phish, Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, The Black Keys and more, Fitzpatrick said.
"We just kind of pick songs we like," he said.
The concert will replace the Movie in the Park program this year at Kennedy Park, said an official with the 19th Ward office. Ald. Matt O'Shea's staff is coordinating the event.
Depending on the response, the concert program could return next year and possibly even be expanded, the official said.
The concert is free and will be held during open swim hours. Attendance will be restricted to the capacity of the pool, according to organizers.
As for Fitzpatrick, he believes the concert is part of a overall resurgence at Kennedy Park. Indeed, lights were added for night baseball and softball games this spring. There also seems to be more neighborhood kids taking advantage of summer programs, the playground and other amenities at the Southwest Side park, he said.
Fitzpatrick said the popularity of the park was a throwback to when he was growing up in the area. In fact, both his parents and his sister were engaged in Kennedy Park.
"When my parents were growing up, that was the place to be," he said.
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