( WBBM NEWSRADIO) – – The Chicago blues community will come together next month to honor and raise money for the owner of a long-time music venue.
Former WXRT disc jockey and blues historian Tom Marker said owners of the Harlem Avenue Lounge in Berwyn announced they were abruptly closing for good due to the declining heath of owner Kenny Zimmerman.
“People didn’t see it coming. There was no warning. There was no last show, and, of course, we’re all shocked to learn Kenny’s health is that serious,” Marker tells WBBM Newsradio.
Marker said Zimmerman means the world to the blues community and the neighborhood.
A special music benefit will be held at Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn on Feb. 12. All proceeds will go toward Zimmerman’s health care.
The family has owned the Harlem Avenue Lounge for more than 30 years. No word on if anything will open up in the space or if there will be a new owner to continue its blues legacy.
As many of you may have heard, HARLEM AVENUE LOUNGE has closed so the family can focus on longtime owner Ken Zimmerman’s…
Posted by FitzGerald’s on Monday, January 15, 2024