AVONDALE — Ben Kinsinger, a local musician known for his unique river concerts, is set to organize a floating parade next month along the North Branch of the Chicago River.
Kinsinger, along with his team, has been hosting a summer music series atop a concrete pillar in the river since 2022, drawing enthusiastic crowds who gather on land and in kayaks to enjoy the live performances.
The series features a variety of musical acts, including Kinsinger’s own band, Lawrence Tome, which he describes as a persona inspired by the character Don Quixote.
“I’ve kind of built this Lawrence Tome persona and I’m in-character at these river shows. Lawrence Tome, the king of the river, is running the show,” Kinsinger said, emphasizing the whimsical theme he brings to the concerts.
Since its inception, the river concert series has grown significantly in popularity, aided by word-of-mouth, social media, and increased media coverage. The most recent show in May attracted around 500 attendees, showcasing the series’ growing appeal.
City officials have also taken notice, providing a $5,000 grant through the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for Kinsinger to host the upcoming musical parade on July 19.
Kinsinger expressed excitement about the support from the city, stating, “I got a grant last year to put on a parade and record an album. It was basically me confessing to the city that I’ve been doing these river shows. And then I was like, ‘Do you guys seem to be liking this? What if you gave me some money to do something bigger?’”
The parade is scheduled to kick off at high noon, featuring bands that will perform from pontoon boats or custom-built floating platforms along a route between Irving Park Road and Diversey Avenue, according to Kinsinger.
“The first band will come around the corner, starting at like Irving Park, and kind of round the bend coming into view from the bike bridge across the way,” he explained. “So then people can be on the bike bridges as the band comes underneath playing music.”
There will be several spots along the shoreline and on bridges where audiences can gather to listen to the live performances as the bands float by.
Reflecting on the journey of organizing these river shows, Kinsinger expressed gratitude for the help he has received over the years. He shared a particular instance when a performance was nearly disrupted due to a malfunctioning generator, but a friend quickly retrieved the necessary oil to get it running again.
“Like the generator cut out during my set so we couldn’t get it on again. And I was like, ‘Well, I’ve never changed the oil. I bet it needs oil,’” Kinsinger recalled. “One of the kayakers, my buddy Alan, he went to shore, got on his bike and went and got the oil and was back in like 15 minutes. Then the show’s back on.”
Initially, Kinsinger had concerns about relying on others to transport equipment safely from the river to the concert pillar. This year, he addressed that issue by constructing a raft specifically designed for ferrying equipment, which has increased collaboration during the events.
“I got some 55-gallon water drums and we built a wood stage on it. It definitely has some design flaws. It’s a learning process,” he admitted.
As the July 19 parade draws near, Kinsinger is actively seeking individuals who have access to watercraft, skills in building platforms, or who wish to volunteer in any capacity.
He mentioned that shows will continue to take place on the concrete pillar most weekends up until the parade, encouraging attendees to visit his website for the latest updates on show dates as he finalizes band bookings.
Kinsinger is also collaborating with artistic directors to decorate each raft or boat that bands will use for their performances.
“At this point, a lot of people know me as the King of the River,” he said, likening his ongoing journey to entering the second book of Don Quixote, resonating with his theme of transformation and community involvement in the arts.
As the excitement builds for the floating parade, Kinsinger’s commitment to fostering a vibrant music scene on the Chicago River remains steadfast, promising an unforgettable experience for both performers and spectators.
image source from：blockclubchicago
