The soulful sounds of blues and rock echoed through the halls of McCord Gallery & Cultural Center in Palos Park on Wednesday night as the Marty “Big Dog” Mercer Band took the stage for a highly anticipated return performance.
Back by popular demand after a crowd-pleasing show last summer, the band brought its signature blend of gritty blues, classic rock and heartfelt originals to the concert, thrilling an audience of local music lovers and longtime fans.
The evening doubled as a fundraiser for McCord, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organization dedicated to supporting cultural programming in the community.
Palos Park resident Mike Bailey, the band’s bassist, was proud to perform at one of the village’s finest gems for the arts.
Known for regular performances at Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago, the Marty “Big Dog” Mercer Band has carved out a loyal following across the Midwest. Their live shows are marked by Mercer’s gravelly vocals, rocking guitar solos and a rhythm section that keeps crowds moving.
“We’ve always enjoyed playing in Palos,” Mercer said. “Over the past five years, we’ve performed at Concert on the Green, Autumn in the Park and last year we were at McCord Gallery. The people of Palos seem to like what we do and we are happy to be back.”
This year’s performance had a special twist: the band played selections from their newly recorded album of original music. Fans got a first listen to the new tracks, which blended traditional blues roots with a modern edge.
The intimate setting at McCord, 9602 W. Creek Road, created the perfect backdrop for the evening, reinforcing the center’s role as a community hub for art, music and cultural engagement.
All proceeds from the concert will benefit McCord Gallery & Cultural Center, which provides exhibitions, art classes and performances for all ages.
“Events like this help keep the lights on and the creativity flowing,” said a McCord staff member. “We’re grateful to the band and everyone who came out to support the arts.”
