UPTOWN — If Wednesday night's chill and all this back to school talk isn't a big enough reminder, the summer is quickly coming to a close.
And with the end of the summer comes the end of the Argyle Night Market, which will conclude with a celebration of Uptown's beloved poet, activist and rapper John "Vietnam" Nguyen, who died in 2012 saving a drowning friend.
Music from John Vietnam:
Nguyen died on Aug. 30 in Madison, Wis. at the age of 19. He was just about to start his sophomore year at University of Wisconsin-Madison, according to WBEZ.
"[Nguyen] was an outstanding student artist and leader, easily one of the most talented ever admitted to the university," Damon Williams, vice provost and the university's chief diversity officer told WBEZ.
Last year, the 5000 block of Winthrop Avenue where he grew up was named "Honorary John 'Vietnam' Nguyen Way" and murals were placed at the corner of Winona Street and Winthrop Avenue to celebrate his legacy of positive artistic expression, community organizing and tolerance.
A mural for Uptown poet John "Vietnam" Nguyen. [DNAinfo/Josh McGhee]
Argyle Night Market runs from 5-9 p.m. along Argyle from Sheridan to Kenmore Avenue and features local food vendors, regional farms, retail stands and live entertainment, said Ald. Harry Osterman.
Thursday's entertainment will begin at 4:45 p.m. with performances by the Chinese Mutual Aid Association Dragon Dancers, a Drum Circle led by Baba Eli, the Sue Ensemble, Kuumba Lynx and Connect Force and Elephant Rebellion. Missio Dei activities and face painting will also be available.
From 4:30- 7:30 p.m., the Chinese Mutual Aid Association will also be hosting PlayStreets on Kenmore Avenue between Ainslie Street and Argyle Street, which includes a bouncy castle, basketball, giant board games and hula hoops.
Local restaurants and food retailers include: Hai Yen, Hon Kee, North Garden, Pho Viet, Pho Xe Lua, Sun Wah BBQ, Tai Nam Market, Tank Noodle, Beijo de Chocalat LLC, Lyons Fruit Farm, Nadiya's Cupcakes, Phoenix Bean LLC, Uptown Brownies, and Yoberri Gourmet.
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