Collinsville’s free uptown concert series returns to the Blum House Sept. 4.

Held on the lawn of the historic home at 414 W. Main St., Tunes at Blum will provide free entertainment each Wednesday in September.  The lineup this year includes Tommy Halloran, The Usual Suspects, Brad MacDonald and The Mr. Wizard Band.

Photo by Roger Starkey

Tommy Halloran kicks off the series on Sept. 4. JazzReview.com said Halloran “is to jazz as Uncle Tupelo was to country-western or Steve Earle to bluegrass. He possesses the schooling (both formal and hard-knocks) as well as the “chops” of a great jazzman.”

The Usual Suspects take to the Blum House lawn on Sept. 11. The group formed in 1998 as a jazz trio and has transformed into a broad-spectrum jazz group that plays traditional jazz, pop standards, smooth jazz and R&B featuring vocalists and horns.

The third installment of the series will feature Collinsville native, and current Chicago area resident, Brad MacDonald playing jazz piano on Sept. 18. MacDonald has received numerous solo awards from his four years performing at the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival.

Mr. Wizard Band’s R&B and Rock performance on Sept. 25 will complete the concert series. Started as a cover band, Mr. Wizard Band has gained a loyal audience for their original songs.

Music starts at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in September. Guests of Tunes at Blum are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic meal, baskets or coolers.  Free parking is available at the Collinsville Library.

Tunes at Blum Schedule:

Sept. 4 – Tommy Halloran

Sept. 11 – The Usual Suspects

Sept. 18 – Brad MacDonald

Sept. 25 – The Mr. Wizard Band