Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash Festival reopens after storm evacuation — Day 2 PHOTO HIGHLIGHTSSun-Times staffon August 21, 2021 at 11:20 pm

Stormy weather put a brief damper on Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash Festival in Douglass Park on Saturday.

Chicago fan favorite Joey Purp got the action off to a start Saturday afternoon before the fest was ground to a halt by heavy rain and strong winds. Concertgoers were asked to evacuate the grounds shortly after 3 p.m. Messages were posted on the festival’s social media accounts as well as at the park on giant video screens asking attendees to “seek shelter.” Staff directed most of the crowd to the parking lots at nearby Mt. Sinai Hospital and the Douglass Park Cultural and Community Center.

The festival got the all clear around 5 p.m. as fans started heading back inside and music once again began filling the park at 5:45 p.m. While a few of the afternoon’s acts had to be canceled due to the delay, last-minute stage changes were made for others to carry on as planned and the regular schedule was once again in place by 6 p.m.

The National Weather Service predicted scattered thunderstorms into the evening.

Here’s a look at some of the sights and sounds:

Summer Smash Festival attendees begin to evacuate Douglass Park as severe weather moves in, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Joey Purp performs on day two of the Summer Smash Festival in Douglass Park, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Joey Purp performs on day two of the Summer Smash Festival in Douglass Park, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021.Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Joey Purp performs on day two of the Summer Smash Festival in Douglass Park, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Joey Purp performs on day two of the Summer Smash Festival in Douglass Park, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021.Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Check back soon for more.

Read More