Rock Around the Green with M&R Rush

Those of us with brain cells that survived the 1970s still remember the great AOR (album oriented rock) bands like Styx, Yes and Survivor.

Tonight (Sunday) M&R Rush storm the village green with their classic rock sound in the second of the Village of Oak Lawn and Oak Lawn Park District's outstanding summer concert series.

The boys were No. 45 with a bullet back in 1980 when their song “Rock and Roll Chicago” was chosen to front the Loop’s (there’s a blast from the past) first hometown album.

Back in the day, M&R Rush frequently gigged at Chicago Fest, Loop Fest, Hammond Fest, Oak Lawn Fest (what????), Chicago Ridge Fest, Berwyn Fest and more, sharing the stage and opening shows for Styx, Survivor, Sammy Hagar, Judas Priest, Black Oak Arkansas, Head East and the Go Go's.

After going their separate ways, the boys regrouped in 2002 and released a new single, “Reach for the Stars.” They haven’t stopped since.

Five high school friends from the South Side’s Roseland neighborhood formed the band in the 1970s.

Sunday’s band lineup includes Marty Mardirosian (drums), Roger Hirtz (bass and vocals), Carl Moszur (keyboards and vocals), John McFarland (guitar and vocals), Paul Martin (guitar and vocals) and Jeff Luif (guitar and vocals).

Tonight's concert is brought to you by the and

This summer's Sunday night concert series features:

June 24 - Hillbill Rock Starz (country)

July 8 - The Dancing Noodles (R&B cover)

July 22 - Five Guys Named Moe (classic rock)

August 5 - The Crawpuppies (alt. rock/rock/power pop)

August 19 - CTA-Chicago Transit Anthoogy (Chicago cover band) and fireworks show.

All shows run from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on the Village Green across from Oak Lawn Village Hall @9466 S. Raymond Ave.

The concerts are free. What a gift to Oak Lawn.

M&R Rush performs @7 p.m. Sunday, May 27, on the Village Green across from Oak Lawn Village Hall  @ 9466 S. Raymond Ave. Everyone is invited to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and picnics. Food will also be sold by Oak Lawn Boy Scouts.