When Shernett Swaby opened her third retail clothing store in early March, she envisioned it as a more relaxed version of her high-end boutiques in Toronto and Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The fashion designer and former Project Runway Canada contestant hoped the store Urban Rebel (2381 N. Milwaukee Ave.) could lure local artists and performers with its racks of handmade streetwear and build a reputation as a live music venue in addition to a shopping destination.
Swaby’s vision came to fruition on May 22 when a group of artists gathered at the Logan Square store for its first open mic night. Led by Chicago native Grace Wong, who performs under the name Suri, the musicians and poets filled the store with the sounds of their original music and poetry.
“Seeing this today—this will work,” Swaby said of the event. “This will take off.”
The event brought in local musicians and a feel for the new space. Check out photos from the event below and learn more about the performers.
Photos: Hannah Magnuson
Swaby began sewing at age 8 and has worked as a fashion designer since age 20. She was born in Jamaica and raised in Toronto by her mother, a seamstress. “Whatever she made, I would make for my dolls,” Swaby said. 
Guitars and a keyboard lay ready for Urban Rebel shoppers to grab whenever inspiration strikes. Swaby taught herself to play both instruments and plans to perform at one of the store’s future open mics. She said one of her life goals is to join a band and attributed her music pursuits to the same thirst for knowledge that fuels her designing. “I like learning things,” Swaby said. 
Each piece of clothing on Urban Rebel’s racks was handmade by Swaby – and quickly. She often converts the scraps leftover from her high-end garments into pieces for Urban Rebel, in a process she called “improv fashion.” Swaby’s streetwear designs reflect the edgy aesthetic that many Logan Square residents wear, explained store manager and coordinator Kelly Kolb. “And it goes well with tattoos,” she said with a laugh. 
While Swaby plans to open boutiques in her namesake brand worldwide, she intends for Urban Rebel to remain a one-of-a kind store. She divides her time between her Chicago and Toronto stores and is working to open a new boutique in New York City. 
Suri and Nathan Tendero performed a duet at Wednesday’s open mic. Suri shared news of the event with her network of Chicago area artists after learning about it through a sign in the storefront. “I was ready to play an hour’s worth of music if no one showed, but there was no need,” she said. 
Scott Daniel stopped in for a violin solo on his way to an orchestra concert. The open mic event fostered the creativity and openness Swaby and Kolb had hoped for. “If we could match artists with art lovers in this neighborhood, it would be good for both parts,” said Kolb. Suri explained the power that shared, physical spaces can hold, saying, “Sharing beauty, your journey, and your story is a powerful connector and is deeply human. I’ve seen art connect strangers and foster empathy.” 
Alex Kelly read three original poems about three different forms of love. Kelly was among multiple performers who cited the event as their debut in front of an audience. Suri lamented the intimidation and mistreatment that can plague new performers in many Chicago venues. “Many of them ooze with skill, authenticity and quirk—which is what the world needs. This world craves for that spark especially when spirits are down and times are rough,” she said. 
Katie Collins performed a sampling of original haikus that tackled themes of love and existentialism. “I love [haikus] because they take really big ideas and distill them down to the smallest essence,” she told the crowd. 
Singer and guitarist Joshua Moss performed solo and in a duet with Suri. Suri said she’s working to facilitate more open mic nights at Urban Rebel – potentially on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. “I’ve had multiple people, performers and audience members tell me, ‘Let’s do this again….That was one of the best open mics I’ve been to,’” she said.
Thank you for the wonderful article Hannah! -Shernett & Urban Rebel staff