A Perfect Way to Kick Off the Season - BSN July Kick Off Recap
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
If you were there, you already know; the energy was unmatched. We had an amazing turnout, and the crowd truly came out and showed out. In real time, we watched Commerce, Community, and Culture collide in the most beautiful way.
Celebrating Our Local Businesses
An event is only as strong as its partners, and our Cottage Grove businesses kicked things off just right. Thank you to everyone who stepped out, supported, and shopped:
Lilypad's Açaí Bar – 4256 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Fleurish Chicago – 752 E. 43rd St.
Small Shop Cycles & Service – 4250 S. Cottage Grove Ave. (Hosting the BSN Bike Ride)
Nitro Nostalgia Ice Cream & Board Game Cafe – 4252 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Sarah Kuenyefu Collection – 4412 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Bronzeville Winery – 4420 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
CBQ Facial Beauty Bar – 4458 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Laury Bridal – 4452 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Haji Healing Salon – 4448 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Reggio's Pizza – 4438 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
FourtuneHouse Art Center – 4410 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
The Vibes Were Unmatched
The soundtrack to our night was nothing short of legendary. A huge shoutout to our incredible live entertainment lineup, who kept the energy high and the vibes perfect:
DJ John Young
DJ Reggie Reg
DJ Marco
DJ BLK Soldier
Violinist Jerald Daemyon, accompanied by Saxophonist Carlos Cannon
Rolling Through the Neighborhood!
Major shoutout to Chris Willard of Small Shop Cycles & Service for leading our community bike ride, in partnership with Divvy. It’s always a sight to see everyone pedaling together, filling the streets with good energy, smiles, and community spirit.
If you missed this one, don't worry—there will be another opportunity to ride at the August 14th BSN. Make your appointment with Small Shops and Cycles to gear up!
Lilypad's Açaí Bar (43rd
A Heartfelt Thank You
An evening like this doesn’t happen without incredible leadership and vision. We want to extend a special thank you to:
Alderman Robinson for coming out, showing support, and sharing such inspiring words with us.
Our amazing host, Dana Divine, whose unmatched energy kept the entire night moving beautifully.
The Executive Director of QCDC, Rhonda McFarland, for your relentless dedication to community development and neighborhood investment… and “not canceling the event every year.”
Next Up: August 14th along the 43rd Street Corridor!
The momentum is building! On Friday, August 14th (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM), we are taking over the 43rd Street corridor for our mid-summer activation. Alongside our brick-and-mortar storefront features, we are hosting a curated, experiential marketplace at Park 43 (43rd & Forrestville) to showcase local brands and creators. Don’t miss out - RSVP HERE!
Open Call for Vendors!
Application Deadline: Friday, July 24th
Spaces are limited as we curate a diverse mix of local talent. If selected, a team member will reach out to you directly! Click to Apply.
Stay Connected
Follow for Updates: Check out @bvillenights on Instagram and Facebook for market announcements, talent drops, and vendor spotlights.
Explore the Community: Visit the Shop Local Bronzeville Business Directory to get familiar with the 43rd Street corridor anchors that will host activations alongside the market.
Let’s keep our dollars circulating, celebrate our culture, and build economic power together.
Photography: Dsgnrz Creative Agency
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