Jeff Fest Kicks Off Friday

JEFFERSON PARK — A little bit of Hollywood and Music City glitz will hit Jefferson Park this weekend with one of the stars of the television show "Nashville" set to headline Jeff Fest.

Jonathan Jackson + Enation will headline the annual fest in Jefferson Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long Ave., at 7 p.m. Saturday, with JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound closing the fest at 6 p.m. Sunday, organizers said.

Jackson plays Avery Barkley on ABC's soapy music drama "Nashville," and also starred on "General Hospital." His band, a trio, recently released its fourth album, winning rave reviews for its alternative rock and pop sound.

JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound played Lollapalooza in 2012, and had a hit with its cover of the Wilco song "I am Trying to Break your Heart."

Eliminator, a ZZ Top tribute band, and Blackened, a Metallica tribute band, will perform Friday night, organizers said.

The fest's two stages will take over Jefferson Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long Ave., from 6-11 p.m. Friday, from noon-11 p.m. Saturday and from noon-10 p.m. Sunday. There will also be a Kids Zone, art for sale and a juried photo art competition, organizers said.

Performers from the Chicago Ballet Center and the John Yost Drum Circle will take the stage Saturday and Sunday, while Vaudeville at Six Corners will perform Saturday as will the aerialists from Aerial Dance Chicago.

The Hokulea Hawaiian Dancers will perform Sunday, officials said.

Admission is free for everyone named Jeff — from Jeff Smith to Bob Jefferson — with proper identification, of course.

A family-picnic area will feature food from neighborhood favorites, including Gale Street Inn, Fischman's Liquors, Smilin Dawgs and Leadbelly Burgers, organizers said. Bud Light and Goose Island will be the featured beers at the festival, organizers said.

Linder Avenue will be blocked off between Higgins and Lawrence avenues during the fest.

Admission is $5 per person not named Jeff. Proceeds from the fest fund scholarships for Jefferson Park students and benefit the Jefferson Park chamber, organizers said.

Admission is free for children 12 and younger as well as adults older than 65.

Lawn chairs are welcome, but coolers and alcohol are prohibited, organizers said.

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: