Ben LaMar Gay live in Chicago

Experience Ben LaMar Gay live on September 19th

Ben LaMar Gay will perform a concert on September 19, 2026, at the location of the General Philip Henry Sheridan Monument in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. Gay is a Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and vocalist whose music blends elements of jazz, soul, funk, experimental music, and African diasporic traditions. His work frequently incorporates spoken word and explores themes of Black American history and identity. He is known for his innovative use of horns and electronic textures alongside traditional instrumentation.

The General Philip Henry Sheridan Monument, erected in 1908 by sculptor Gutzon Borglum (later famous for Mount Rushmore), depicts the Union Army General on horseback. Sheridan was a prominent figure during the Civil War and later led campaigns against Native American tribes on the Great Plains. The monument has been the subject of ongoing debate and protest in recent years due to Sheridan's controversial role in these conflicts and the historical trauma inflicted upon Indigenous populations. These protests highlight evolving perspectives on historical figures and public monuments within the city. The site itself is located within Lincoln Park, a large public park along Lake Michigan established in 1860.