About the Event
Summer Tuesdays come alive on the MCA terrace with free concerts highlighting artists from Chicago’s internationally renowned music community. Enjoy live music while relaxing on the lawn with your own picnic or savor snacks and drinks available for purchase. Then head inside to catch the MCA’s summer exhibitions—we’re open late on Tuesdays and free for Illinois residents.
This week Chicago reggae mainstays Gizzae, who have been energizing the scene for more then 30 years, take to the stage led by singer and bassist Brian “Rocket” Rock, their enduring sound blends legacy, rhythm, and global reggae spirit.
About the Artists
Rocket and Gizzae carry forward a legacy rooted in the early 1990s, following a global tour with Dallol, the acclaimed band that performed as the Melody Makers alongside Ziggy Marley. As Ziggy’s backing band, they played a central role in two Grammy Award–winning albums, Conscious Party and One Bright Day. During this period, they also released their own work on Rita Marley’s Tuff Gong label. After Dallol eventually dissolved into four separate acts, Gizzae emerged as the only group from that lineage still actively performing today.
The band’s influence extends beyond the stage. Its original co-founders were also co-owners of the iconic Wild Hare Reggae Club, located across from Wrigley Field. A cornerstone of Chicago’s reggae scene for decades, the venue helped shape the city’s musical landscape. Although the club has since relocated under new ownership, the founders’ contributions to Chicago’s cultural fabric remain significant.
Known for their engaging live performances, Rocket and Gizzae bring a high level of musicianship and energy to every show. Their sets feature intricate arrangements, expressive solos, and a tight rhythmic foundation that resonates with a wide range of audiences. Whether performing for dedicated reggae listeners or broader music communities, the band consistently delivers an experience that is both memorable and compelling.