Good Memories, Great Friends & Music
Before there were social influencers or foodie experts, there was Saboire Media—or maybe you just knew me as Sharon Leslie Grant. Long before it became trendy, I loved shining a spotlight on new restaurants, small businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs, helping introduce them to a wider audience.
One person who has always believed in and encouraged me is my longtime dear friend, Tynia. This weekend, we finally did something we both love—enjoyed great live music and shared a delicious meal.
The evening took me back to a different chapter of my life. I’ve always thought of Oak Park as the west-side cousin of Hyde Park. I spent so much time there with family that it became a place filled with memories. As a young adult, Oak Park represented freedom—a community where artists, intellectuals, free spirits, and successful professionals all seemed to coexist.
In 1988, local apartment owner and animal advocate Chatka Ruggiero purchased the historic building that would become a cultural gathering place. Under Ruggiero’s ownership, it hosted concerts, recitals, and art exhibitions, and for many years its lower level was home to the Ernest Hemingway Museum.
Friday night we had perfect Stage A seats for the Candlelight Concert Series by Fever, featuring the MSC String Quartet performing ’90s Hip-Hop. The performance was absolutely incredible.
Hearing classic hip-hop reimagined through strings reminded me why I fell in love with the genre in the first place. Strip away the vocals, and you begin to hear the intricate arrangements, melodies, and subtle musical layers the original producers created. Every transition—from East Coast to West Coast, from one legendary artist to the next—captured the heart and soul of what I still believe was hip-hop at its finest.
Music has a way of transporting us back in time while reminding us how far we’ve come.
Now it’s your turn. Use my code L57VSD5M5SRI1GT to get a $8.00 discount on tickets in the Fever app! https://feverup.com/m/584767?utm_source=fever_app_share&utm_medium=plan_detail&utm_campaign=584767_ord&ref=L57VSD5M5SRI1GT Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings
Attending the Candlelight Concert Series in Oak Park was a truly special experience that blended nostalgia with a fresh musical perspective. The MSC String Quartet’s reinterpretation of 90s Hip-Hop offered a revelation for me, highlighting how sophisticated and layered the original compositions really are. This concert wasn’t just music; it was storytelling through strings, connecting East Coast and West Coast vibes in an elegant, intimate setting. Oak Park itself added to the charm of the evening. Known for its artistic spirit and cultural richness, it felt like the perfect backdrop for such a unique event. The historical context provided by the venue, once home to the Ernest Hemingway Museum and a hub for arts under Chatka Ruggiero’s vision, enriched the atmosphere, reminding me how places carry the spirit of creativity and community memories. Sharing this night with a close friend reinforced how live music can deepen connections and create lasting memories. The blend of a delicious meal and incredible performance made it a full sensory delight. For anyone who grew up in or appreciates the golden era of Hip-Hop, these string arrangements offer a beautiful tribute that’s both familiar and refreshingly novel. If you get a chance, I highly recommend checking out future events in the Candlelight series via the Fever app. Use discount codes when available to enjoy this kind of enriching cultural experience affordably. It’s a perfect way to revisit old favorites, discover new nuances, and support local arts communities that continue to thrive and inspire.
