Brendan Bayliss to Host Holiday Benefit in Chicago
The December 19, 2026, concert at Park West will support tuition-free music education programs.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Brendan Bayliss is set to perform a special holiday concert on December 19, 2026, at Park West in Chicago. Titled Brendan Bayliss & A Few Of His Friends, the event aims to raise funds for The People's Music School.
Why it matters
The performance serves as a fundraiser to sustain the tuition-free music education initiatives provided by The People's Music School. It continues a tradition of annual holiday charity events in the city.
This performance marks the 24th annual holiday concert held by the artist. In 2024, the associated charitable efforts resulted in a $16,000 donation for the local music education institution.
The players
Brendan Bayliss
He is a musician known for his work with the band Umphrey's McGee.
The People's Music School
This institution provides tuition-free music education to students in Chicago.
Park West
It is a music venue located in Chicago that hosts various concert events.
moe.
This is a long-running American jam band that originated in the 1990s.
The details
The concert will feature a mix of Umphrey's McGee material, holiday standards, and various covers. Guests scheduled to perform alongside Bayliss include Duane Trucks, Jennifer Hartswick, Jason Narducy, Allie Kral, Mike Racky, Pat Muldoon, Andy Farag, and members of the band moe.
Timeline
Tickets go on sale October 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. CT.
The holiday benefit concert takes place on December 19, 2026.
Market Landscape
This event maintains a long-standing philanthropic tradition in the Chicago music scene that has spanned over two decades. It positions the artist as a central figure in local music-based charity initiatives despite the recent changes in the band's personnel.
Fans interested in attending the benefit can purchase tickets starting October 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. CT. Attendance contributes directly to the operating costs of the music programs offered by The People's Music School.
The takeaway
Supporters can help sustain local arts education by participating in this established annual concert tradition. Attendees should be prepared to see a variety of guest musicians performing material from the artist's history and holiday-themed music.
Further reading
For more on charitable events in the city, visit the Chicago Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by JamBase.
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