The Pursuit of Happiness Session

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Lauren Tabak

A close-up of Chuck Prophet & Mission Express.

Chuck Prophet & Mission Express

The Sessions at McPike summer concert series kicks off with this three-day blowout of music, comedy and dance, which doubles as a fundraiser for local nonprofits. This year’s headliners: On Friday, veteran rocker Chuck Prophet & Mission Express; Saturday brings two sets by the Ameri'Kana All-Stars, a project created by the band Making Movies to highlight a more inclusive view of Americana music; and on Sunday, the Stooges Brass Band from New Orleans closes an afternoon of street/marching bands. Comedy showcases headlined by Mary Mack close the evening on Friday and Saturday. A bevy of other local and regional favorites are on the schedule, including a fest-opening set by Cribshitter at 5 p.m. Friday; Jane Hobson (who just released the excellent album Attic Days) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday; and Cris Plata & Extra Hot at 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Find the full schedule below and updates at sessionsatmcpike.org.

Sessions at McPike music, comedy & dance performances for all ages, 6/14-16, McPike Park. Free admission.

Friday, June 14

Stage Sponsors: AVI Systems; To Benefit: Friends of Ukraine - Madison

Main Stage: 5:00 Cribshitter, 6:30 Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs (New Orleans), 7:45 pm  Ntxhais Tsheej Haj (Hmong dance troupe), 8:30 Chuck Prophet and Mission Express (San Francisco)

The Chicory Stage: 6:00 and 7:45 pm  New Stellanovas, 9:45 Comedy Showcase: Mary Mack, Sherlonda Sharp and Trevor Anderson

Saturday June 15

Stage Sponsors: Dane Arts; To Benefit: Centro Hispano

Main Stage: 12:30 pm Christian Nieves Maldonado and Modesto Nieves (Puerto Rico), 1:40 pm Francis Medrano/Black Power Dance, 2 pm Mark Croft & Jon Vriesacker, 3:45 pm Rebulu, 5 pm Fable Dance Co., 5:45 pm Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound (MKE), 7:45 & 9 pm Ameri’kana All-Stars

The Chicory Stage: 12:45 Paul Cebar, 2:30 Madison Aerial Alliance (music by Jane Hobson), 4:30 pm Christian Nieves Maldonado and Modesto Nieves, 6:30 The Western Elstons (Joel Paterson, Scott Ligon, Casey McDonough and Alex Hall, Chicago), 8:30 Precarious Towers, 9:45 Comedy Showcase Mary Mack, Sherlonda Sharp and Jackie Kashian

Sunday, June 16

Stage Sponsors: Kathman/Queen Family Foundation; To Benefit: WORT-FM

James the Magician 2 pm (offstage) followed by street band showcase featuring Black Star Drum Line 2:30 pm, Clamor and Lace Noise Brigade 3:45 pm, Forward! Marching Band 5 pm, Mama Digdown's Brass Band 7 pm, and The Stooges Brass Band (NOLA) 8:30 pm.

The Chicory Stage with MC Cris Plata: 12:30 Annie and the Oakies, 2:15  Dana Perry, 4:15 Cris Plata and Extra Hot, 6:15 Buffalo Nichols, 8:30 pm The Mascot Theory

also: 2:30 pm: Madison Aerial Alliance, ambient performance beyond tent