On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, just under 200 people gathered at the Indaba Bandshell, where Esquires II kicked off the Indaba Nights free summer concert series at St. Ann Center’s Bucyrus Campus, 2450 W. North Ave. In traditional African culture, Indaba refers to a gathering to resolve issues affecting the village, where each individual has a voice and where there is a common story created for all to share after they leave.
People filed in early with camp chairs and coolers, eager to claim their favorite spot, enjoy a picnic, or reconnect with old friends before the music started. Then the crowd clapped, sang, hollered and danced along as the band crooned and grooved their way engagingly through two hours of favorites, from the original Esquires’ national 1967 hit, “Get On Up,” to 803Fresh’s irresistible line dance, “Boots on the Ground.” Indaba Nights continues Wednesday, June 11, at 6:30 p.m. with MuvGruv and continuing through August 27.
