Gerald Dowd hosts 14-act benefit in Forest Park

Gerald Dowd is organizing Day of the Dowd 3, a full-day music festival scheduled for Sunday, November 1, at Robert's Westside in Forest Park. The event will feature 14 local musical acts across various genres. Dowd has dedicated this third iteration of the series to his late mother and brother, Robert.

The concert aims to raise funds for Beyond Hunger, a nonprofit organization that operates a food pantry in Oak Park. Beyond Hunger also provides additional hunger relief services throughout Cook County. The event will run from 11 AM to 11 PM. Adults will pay $36.39 for admission, while children 12 and under will pay $18.35. The venue allows all ages, with a requirement that those under 21 be accompanied by a guardian.

Dowd will serve as the lead drummer for the day, performing with different bands throughout the schedule. He plans to play approximately 40 minutes with one act, then take a 10 or 15 minute break to move to a second stage for the next set. This cycle will continue until every artist on the bill has performed. The lineup includes country group JJ & the Daydrinkers, who will open the day. Other performers include funk band the Uptown Rubes and Americana artist Rachel Swain. Rock acts such as Scott Tipping and the Diff are also confirmed. Jason Narducy, known for touring with Michael Shannon, will perform with his power-pop project Split Single.

Dowd’s daughter, Ramona, will present her own indie-folk and rock material. She previously joined her father on stage as a teenager during the first Day of the Dowd. Her younger brother, Truman, will accompany her on vocal harmonies and bass. Dowd will close the event with a solo set that draws from his four studio albums and recent compositions.

The event includes a family-friendly atmosphere with arts and crafts and a silent auction. To align with the Day of the Dead tradition, Dowd is inviting attendees to bring photos, poems, and other items for an ofrenda. This traditional altar allows visitors to honor loved ones who have passed away.

Dowd previously organized similar events to support local food security. The first edition raised $10,000 for the Chicago Food Depository. A second edition in 2019 benefited the Pilsen Food Pantry. The current event continues that focus on providing resources for food access within the county.