Free Family Friendly Fun: Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert Returns Monday, August 10, 2026

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List: Free Family Friendly Fun

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S FREE SUMMER CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS EIGHT BROADWAYSHOWSTOPPERS

Broadway In Chicago will bring its free annual SUMMER CONCERT to Millennium Park on Monday, August 10, 2026. Sponsored by ABC 7 Chicago, the concert begins at 6:15 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion (201 E. Randolph St.) and is presented in partnership with the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).

The one night only event will feature performances from current and upcoming Broadway In Chicago productions, including THE NOTEBOOK, which will already be in performances at the James M. Nederlander Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.), and THE OUTSIDERS, which will already be in performances at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.), along with selections from WAITRESS and subscription titles JEKYLL & HYDE (Kokandy Productions), DIRTY DANCING: THE MUSICAL, OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL, JERSEY BOYS, and MAYBE HAPPY ENDING . Additional shows will be announced later this summer.

Presented in collaboration with DCASE, the Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert is part of Millennium Park’s summer season, showcasing symphonic music, dance, opera, and Broadway favorites performed by some of Chicago’s leading cultural institutions. For more information, visit millenniumpark.org and follow Millennium Park on Facebook (@MillenniumParkChicago), Twitter, and Instagram (Millennium_Park).

For more information on the Summer Concert and Broadway In Chicago, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT MILLENNIUM PARK
Millennium Park is an iconic cultural destination in Chicago's downtown. The anchor of an urban cultural campus (Millennium Park Campus) that includes the Chicago Cultural Center, Maggie Daley Park and The Art Institute of Chicago, the park is the #1 attraction in the Midwest and among the top ten most-visited sites in the United States. Millennium Park is located on Michigan Avenue, bordered by Randolph St. to the north, Columbus Dr. to the east and Monroe St. to the south. The Park is open 6 a.m.–11 p.m. daily. For the latest news and events, download the Millennium Park app, visit millenniumpark.org , like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, @Millennium_Park.

ABOUT CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media .

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 26 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range ofentertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium™.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
Follow @broadwayinchicago on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky #broadwayinchicago

FREE ANNUAL SUMMER CONCERT WITH BROADWAY IN CHICAGO August 13th at Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park

Chi IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

FREE ANNUAL SUMMER CONCERT WITH

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO 

Featuring performances by

DEAR EVAN HANSEN, HEARTBREAK HOTEL, 

ROALD DAHL’S CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and MISS SAIGON

Monday, August 13 at Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce their annual FREE BROADWAY IN CHICAGO SUMMER CONCERT, sponsored by ABC 7 Chicago and hosted by Janet Davies, ABC 7 Chicago’s entertainment reporter and host of the entertainment and lifestyle program 190 NORTH on ABC 7. The concert will take place on Monday, August 13, 2018 at 6:15 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St). The Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert at Millennium Park is presented with the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. This year, there will be preview performances from DEAR EVAN HANSEN, HEARTBREAK HOTEL, ROALD DAHL’S CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and MISS SAIGON. More performances will be announced closer to the event.

“This is the highlight of the summer for Broadway fans – it’s like ‘Broadwaypalooza’,” says Eileen LaCario, Vice President of Broadway In Chicago.

The Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert is presented in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events as part of Millennium Park Presents. Millennium Park proudly presents symphonic music, dance, opera, Broadway hits and more—performed by some of Chicago’s best-loved cultural institutions. For full calendar information, visit millenniumpark.org.  For exciting facts about the Park, program updates and weather cancellations, follow Millennium Park on Twitter (@Millennium_Park), Instagram (Millennium_Park) and Facebook (@MillenniumParkChicago).

As the summer season kicks off in Millennium Park, some important changes are coming to improve security and the visitor experience at the park. The City of Chicago will implement a security perimeter and bag check for all concerts and events that take place in the park. Outside alcohol will be prohibited at the seven Jay Pritzker Pavilion events with the highest attendance, including the Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert. Additional food and beverage options will be available for purchase at various price points inside the venue. Subject to bag search at the security perimeter, guests will continue to be allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to all events at Millennium Park.

For more information on the Summer Concert and Broadway In Chicago, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

FREE BROADWAY IN CHICAGO SUMMER CONCERT August 15th at Jay Pritzker Pavilion

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO ANNOUNCES FULL CONCERT LINE-UP

This is one of our annual favorites here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows. Come on out for a free, family friendly, outdoor sampler of Broadway In Chicago tunes from some of the top musicals of the decade, performed by cast members and hosted by Janet Davies of ABC 7. It's truly a treat and free for all.

Now Including Performances from

STEPHEN TRASK, composer and lyricist of 

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH and

Cast Members from THE KING AND I, SOMETHING ROTTEN! and STOMP

Previously Announced Cast Performances Include Disney’s ALADDIN, BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, THE BODYGUARD with Grammy® Award-nominee and R&B superstar DEBORAH COX, FINDING NEVERLAND, 2015 Tony Award®-Winning Best Musical FUN HOME and THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Monday, August 15 at Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the full concert line-up at the annual FREE BROADWAY IN CHICAGO SUMMER CONCERT, sponsored by ABC 7 Chicago and hosted by Janet Davies, ABC 7 Chicago’s entertainment reporter and host of the entertainment and lifestyle program 190 NORTH on ABC 7. The concert will take place on Monday, August 15, 2016 at 6:15 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park (201 E Randolph St).  The Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert at Millennium Park is presented with the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. 

This year there will be performances including Disney’s ALADDIN, BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, THE BODYGUARD with Grammy® Award-nominee and R&B superstar DEBORAH COX, FINDING NEVERLAND, the 2015 Tony Award®-Winning Best Musical FUN HOME, the 2014 Tony Award®-Winning Best Musical Revival HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH featuring composer and lyricist STEPHEN TRASK, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s THE KING AND I, Cameron Mackintosh's spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, the completely original new musical comedy SOMETHING ROTTEN! and STOMP.

“What could be better than to sit or picnic in one of the world's premiere outdoor venues, Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park, and get a free preview of fantastic Broadway shows?” said Eileen LaCario, Vice President of Broadway In Chicago. “For many, it’s the favorite concert of the year bringing together thousands of our dedicated theater-goers and introducing them to some of the greatest musicals of the decade.”

Presented in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events as part of Millennium Park Presents. Millennium Park proudly presents symphonic music, dance, opera, Broadway hits and more—performed by some of Chicago’s best-loved cultural institutions.  For full calendar information, visit millenniumpark.org.  

Get Social:

For exciting facts about the Park, program updates and weather cancellations, follow on Twitter (@Millennium_Park) and Instagram (Millennium_Park) and like Millennium Park on Facebook.

For more information on the Summer Concert or any Broadway In Chicago shows visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

TONIGHT: AT MILLENNIUM PARK SUMMER FILM SERIES DIRTY DANCING CAST MEMBERS PERFORM

TONIGHT, TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 AT 6:30 PM

Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park (201 E Randolph St)

Broadway In Chicago and cast members from Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage will kick off the free movie, Dirty Dancing, with a performance of “The Time of My Life” before the Millennium Park Summer Film Series. 

ABOUT DIRTY DANCING

Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this timeless love story features the hit songs “Hungry Eyes,” “Do You Love Me?” and the heart-stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life.” London’s Sunday Express says “This crowd-pleasing stage adaptation hits the jackpot!”

It’s the summer of 1963, and 17-year-old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman is on vacation in New York’s Catskill Mountains with her older sister and parents. Mesmerized by the racy dance moves and pounding rhythms she discovers in the resort’s staff quarters, Baby can’t wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Jonny Castle, the resort’s sexy dance instructor. Passions ignite and Baby’s life changes forever when she is thrown in to the deep end as Johnny’s leading lady, both on-stage and off.

TICKET INFORMATION

Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage is now playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre through August 30 only. Tickets are available for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.  Individual tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM PARK SUMMER FILM SERIES

Chicagoans and visitors alike are invited to enjoy outdoor movies downtown as the popular Summer Film Series returns to Millennium Park, Tuesdays, June 23 – September 1, at 6:30pm. Guests may take a seat at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or lounge on the Great Lawn as crowd-pleasing movies are presented on a state-of-the-art, 40-foot LED screen. All films are FREE and made possible by the Millennium Park Foundation. The Summer Film Series is co-curated with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).

TONIGHT: FREE 2015 Summer Concert Features Cast Members From TEN Broadway in Chicago Shows! #BICconcert

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S 

FREE 2015 SUMMER CONCERT,

A CELEBRATION OF 15 YEARS OF 

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO,

FEATURES BROADWAY SHOW PERFORMANCES AT JAY PRITZKER PAVILION 

AT MILLENNIUM PARK

MONDAY, AUGUST 17 AT 6:15 PM

Come on out tonight to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park (201 E Randolph St) and enjoy a free medley of Broadway In Chicago hits! Cast members from the Pre-Broadway World Premiere of GOTTA DANCE, the sparkling new tour of 42^nd STREET, A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER, IF/THEN, Emerald City Theatre’s A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, Roundabout Theatre Company’s CABARET, DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE, Disney’s NEWSIES and Disney’s THE LION KING will all be there.

Hosted by ABC 7 Chicago’s Janet Davies, from the entertainment and lifestyle program 190 NORTH, the concert will feature cast members from ten fantastic Broadway shows. The Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert at Millennium Park is produced in partnership with the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

Presented in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events as part of Millennium Park Presents. Millennium Park proudly presents symphonic music, dance, opera, Broadway hits and more—performed by some of Chicago’s best-loved cultural institutions.  For full calendar information, visit millenniumpark.org.  For exciting facts about the Park, program updates and weather cancellations, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Millennium_Park and like us on Facebook.

“This summer concert is one of our favorite events of the year.  It's an unforgettable gathering of the friends and fans of Broadway In Chicago with an amazing array of performers representing the best of Broadway,” said Eileen LaCario, Vice President of Broadway In Chicago. “There is no better way to commemorate our 15^th year than by celebrating in one of Chicago’s most iconic settings.”

For more information on the Summer Concert or any Broadway In Chicago show visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 15 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial  touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining well up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres.  Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Bank of America Theatre, Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

TONIGHT: Blue Man Group and CYSO Collaborate In a FREE Show At Millennium Park at 6:30pm

BLUE MAN GROUP AND 

CHICAGO YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS TEAM UP FOR SECOND 

COLLABORATIVE PERFORMANCE 

IN MILLENNIUM PARK 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1

Free Outdoor Concert Event Features Selections of Popular Classical Music Performed with Blue Man Group

Photo credits:  “BMG in Millennium Park with CYSO” – credit Ed Spinelli

Blue Man Group, in conjunction with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO), will return to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park for a collaborative performance on Wednesday, July 1 at 6:30 p.m. The free public performance will feature a program of full orchestral works performed by CYSO’s inaugural summer orchestra, as well as collaborative performances and thrilling surprises with Blue Man Group.

“Last year’s concert was great and this year’s will be bigger and better,” says CYSO Music Director Allen Tinkham. “The partnership between Blue Man Group and CYSO brings a highly entertaining and innovative spin to a classical music performance that our musicians relish and audiences won’t want to miss.”

At the July 1 event, Blue Man Group and CYSO will unite for a medley of classical favorites by Amilcare Ponchielli, Franz von Suppé and Richard Wagner. CYSO is also scheduled to perform three full length classical works: Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances,” op. 45, Dmitri Kabalevsky’s “Colas Breugnon,” op. 24: Overture and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “Capriccio Italien,” op. 45.

The Blue Man Group and CYSO performance event is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit: cyso.org.

About Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras

CYSO’s Symphony Orchestra has earned an international reputation as a premier orchestral ensemble featuring extraordinary young musicians from the Chicago area. Allen Tinkham was appointed Music Director of CYSO in 2001. During his tenure, CYSO has won eight of its 11 ASCAP National Awards for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music, as well as four Illinois Council of Orchestras awards (two Programming of the Year Awards and two Youth Orcehstra of the Year Awards). Under Tinkham’s direction, CYSO ensembles have performed at Orcehstra Hall, Millennium Park, Ravinia, Carnegie Hall and several international locales. CYSO has taken the stage three times at Lollapalooza, Chicago’s legendary rock music festival, the first time in August 2007 when it became the first ever classical music ensemble to do so. They will team up with The National’s Bryce Dessner for a May 17 concert at Orchestra Hall and Ben Folds at the Chicago Theatre June 6.

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO) has provided musical education through orchestral programs and performance opportunities of the highest caliber since 1946. 

CYSO currently serves 475 Chicago area musicians ages 7-18 through three full orchestras, two string orchestras, multiple steel orchestras and supplemental programs that include chamber music ensembles, music theory and composition. It also reaches the diverse population of Chicago Public School students, educators and community members each year through its Music Pathways program. Music Pathways includes an In-School Residency Program with several partner Chicago Public elementary schools, Clinics for partner Chicago Public high schools, free Community Concerts, a Private Lesson Program for current CYSO students and Neighborhood Ensembles. CYSO, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is investing in the future of music and the next generation of leaders. For more information, visit cyso.org or call 312.939.2207. CYSO also can be followed on Twitter at twitter.com/ChiYSO. Like CYSO on Facebook at facebook.com/ChicagoYouthSymphonyOrchestras.

About Blue Man Group

Blue Man Group is a unique and thrilling multi-sensory experience that fuses innovative theatrical spectacle and powerful original music with hilarious comedy to create a performance experience unlike any other. The iconic, silent, inquisitive Blue Man character has remained consistent since the show’s opening, but the world he reacts to is continuously changing, allowing for a production that continuously evolves. One of the world’s most popular theatrical productions, today’s Blue Man Group is a blend of signature material that has been in the show since the opening, as well as newer passages that examine the influence of technology on today’s world with a funny and perceptive look at contemporary communication vehicles. The performance then closes with a pulsating finale that has audiences up and out of their seats, featuring an original Blue Man Group music score.

Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune gave the show a Four Star rating and said the material was “brilliantly revamped” and “truly joyous.” After seeing the new material, Hedy Weiss for the Chicago Sun-Times wrote, “The show's creators have cleverly updated the production with new wizardry while retaining its essential mind-set.” Chicago Parent editor Tamara L. O'Shaughnessy said “the coolest blue guys in Chicago just got cooler.”

Currently, Blue Man Group theatrical shows can be seen in New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, Berlin and on tour throughout the U.S.

The company’s music, featuring custom made instruments and signature, percussive sound, can be heard on five albums, including the Grammy-nominated “Audio,” as well as various film and television projects. As the company grows, it remains true to its vision of providing exciting experiences in a variety of media, appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds.

For more information, visit blueman.com.

FREE TICKETS RELEASE THIS WEEK, JULY 8 & 9 Chicago Dancing Festival: August 20-23, 2014

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCED FOR 

CHICAGO DANCING FESTIVAL

Chicago Dancing Festival founders Lar Lubovitch and Jay Franke are pleased to announce today additional works being added to the 2014 Festival lineup, including two more World Premieres, plus plans for a pre- and post-performance sponsors party around the “Celebration of Dance” Grand Finale performance, Saturday, August 23. Free tickets for the Festival’s indoor performances become available to the public this week, July 8 and 9.  The 2014 Chicago Dancing Festival, featuring top ballet, modern and hip-hop companies from Chicago and across the country, is set to take place August 20 – 23.

The Joffrey Ballet 

in 'Bells' by Yuri Possokhov

Dancers: Temur Suluashvili and Victoria Jaiani

Photo by Cheryl Mann

Additional Programming

Chicago-based choreographer Ron De Jesus, a former dancer with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and now Artistic Director of Ron De Jesus Dance, has been commissioned by the Dancing Festival to create a new duet for the dancing male pair of Ben Wardell (Nexus Project, Lucky Plush Productions, formerly Hubbard Street Dance Chicago) and Michel Rodriguez (Nexus Project, formerly Hedwig Dances). Transition Zone will premiere as part of the Festival’s “Dances for 2” at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., in two performances, Friday, August 22.

New York-based choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie, who has set work on and collaborated with pop stars like Beyoncé as well as highly regarded institutions like The Juilliard School, the Alvin Ailey B.F.A. Program and tap legend Savion Glover, has been commissioned by the Festival to create a new work for the student dancers of After School Matters, to premiere on the Pritzker “Celebration of Dance” program, August 23.

These new commissioned works are in addition to the previously announced World Premiere the Festival has commissioned from New York mixed-genre choreographer Kyle Abraham for the dancers of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, entitled Counterpoint. This work, to be performed at the Harris Theater as part of the “Classics and Creations” program August 20, is set to Tu Non Mi Perderai Mai by Peter Gregson and Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor: Third Movement, performed by Arthur Rubinstein.   The full schedule of performances follows below.

“Last Dance” Sponsors Party

This year, the Chicago Dancing Festival hosts “Last Dance,” a party to acknowledge the sponsors whose support is crucial to keeping the Festival’s performances free for the public.  “Last Dance” takes place Saturday, August 23, on the Terrace at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Street.  The evening includes pre-show cocktails beginning at 6 pm followed by reserved seating for the performance at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, then a post-show picnic with cocktails and a chance to mingle with the artists.  Those interested in donating or learning more about sponsorship opportunities can visit www.chicagodancingfestival.com or, for questions, call 773-609-2335.

Ticket Release This Week

Tickets for the indoor performances at Harris Theater and Museum of Contemporary become available this week.  All tickets are free but tickets for indoor events must be reserved in advance through each venue’s box office. 

Tickets for the August 20 program at the Harris Theater will be released Tuesday, July 8 at noon, available in person at the Harris Theater Box Office, 205 E. Randolph Drive, or by calling (312) 334-7777.  Limit two (2) tickets per order; tickets ordered by phone will be held at Will-Call.

Tickets for the August 22 programs at the Museum of Contemporary Art will be release Wednesday, July 9 at noon, available in person at the MCA Stage Box Office, 220 E. Chicago Avenue, or by calling (312) 397-4010.  Limit two (2) tickets per order; tickets ordered by phone will be held at Will-Call.

No tickets are needed for the outdoor Pritzker Pavilion events, including the Opening Night Simulcast presented by the Harris Theater on August 20 and the Grand Finale performance on August 23. 

Any empty seats or tickets unclaimed at 15 minutes prior to curtain time will be released to those in a Stand-by line.  Stand-by lines begin one hour before each performance, in person only. All seating is general admission. 

Chicago Dancing Festival 2014 Schedule

Wednesday, August 20 – 7:30 pm

Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Street

“Classics and Creations”

The Chicago Dancing Festival opening night program will be simulcast on the outdoor screen of the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, thanks to Presenting Sponsor, the Harris Theater. 

• Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Counterpoint, CDF original commission by Kyle Abraham          
• The Juilliard School, The Jig Is Up by Eliot Feld
• Martha Graham Dance Company, Errand into the Maze by Martha Graham
• Stars of American Ballet*, Fancy Free by Jerome Robbins
• The Joffrey Ballet, Bells (excerpt) by Yuri Possokhov

Chelsea Bonosky 

in 'Belladonna' by Adam Barruch

Photo by Nel Shelby

Friday, August 22 – 6 pm and 8 pm

Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Avenue

“Dances for 2”

• Adam Barruch, Belladonna by Adam Barruch
• The Joffrey Ballet, Bells (excerpt) by Yuri Possokhov
• Martha Graham Dance Company, Errand into the Maze by Martha Graham
• Ron De Jesus Dance*, Transition Zone, CDF original commission by Ron De Jesus
• Pam Tanowitz Dance*, Passagen by Pam Tanowitz (live music)

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Spring Series

"Falling Angels" Dress Rehearsal by Jiri­ Kylian 

Photo by Todd Rosenberg Photography

Saturday, August 23 – 7:30 pm

Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph Street

“Celebration of Dance” Grand Finale

• After School Matters, CDF original commission by Darrell Grand Moultrie
• The Joffrey Ballet, Nine Sinatra Songs by Twyla Tharp
• The Juilliard School, The Jig Is Up by Eliot Feld
• Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Falling Angels by Jiří Kylián
• Rennie Harris Puremovement*, Students of the Asphalt Jungle by Dr. Rennie Harris
• Stars of Washington Ballet Brooklyn Mack and Maki Onuki, pas de deux from Le Corsaire by Marius Petipa

All programs are subject to change.

*CDF Debut

About the Chicago Dancing Festival

Established in 2007, the Chicago Dancing Festival was founded to elevate awareness of dance in Chicago, to increase accessibility to the art form and to provide inspiration for local artists.  Its mission is to present a wide variety of excellent dance, enrich the lives of the people of Chicago and provide increased accessibility to the art form, thereby helping create a new audience.  Its vision is to raise the national and international profile of dance in the city, furthering Chicago as the “dance capital of the world” (as Mayor Rahm Emanuel put it at the 2012 Chicago Dancing Festival). 

Lar Lubovitch (Founder, Artistic Director) is one of America's most versatile and highly acclaimed choreographers and founded the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company 45 years ago.  In the years since, he has choreographed more than 100 dances for his New York-based company, which has performed in nearly all 50 American states as well as in more than 30 foreign countries.  Born in Chicago, Mr. Lubovitch was educated at the University of Iowa and the Juilliard School in New York.

Jay Franke (Founder, Artistic Director) began his formal training at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, Texas.  In 1993, he was selected as a Finalist for the Presidential Scholar in the Arts and accepted into the Juilliard School.  Upon receiving his BFA in Dance from the Juilliard School, Mr. Franke went to work with the Twyla Tharp Dance Company, “THARP!”  Mr. Franke has since danced with The 58 Group, Lyric Opera Ballet Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and was a leading dancer in the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company from 2005 to 2010.

The Chicago Dancing Festival is grateful for its 2014 supporters including: InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, Official Hotel Partner; Museum of Contemporary Art; Harris Theater for Music and Dance; City of Chicago, Millennium Park; The Robert and Jamie Taylor Foundation; David Herro and Jay Franke; Illinois Arts Council; National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works; The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; The Chicago Community Trust; Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development; The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust; and the Irving Harris Foundation. The Harris Theater is proud to have the support of The Northern Trust Company as its 2014-2015 season sponsor.

For more information on the Chicago Dancing Festival, its history and programs, visit www.chicagodancingfestival.com.

TONIGHT: FREE Fam Friendly Fun Blue Man Group Joins Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra

BLUE MAN GROUP MAKES SPECIAL APPEARANCE DURING CHICAGO YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS PERFORMANCE IN MILLENNIUM PARK  

SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2014  

Free Outdoor CYSO Concert Event Features Passages of Well-Known Classical Repertoire Performed with Blue Man Group!  

Here at ChiIL Mama we know there's culture and then there's CULTURE. Get a good dose of both in a FREE, family friendly show TONIGHT.

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Tips:

• Take the el and avoid the parking 'ell. It's easy!
• Bring a picnic!  Wine is fine too.

(CYSO) announces a collaborative performance on June 8, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. The free public performance will feature a program of selections to be performed during CYSO’s June 2014 tour of China, as well as special pieces featuring Blue Man’s thrilling multi-sensory audience experience, bringing an innovative Blue Man Group spin to the classical repertoire. 

“CYSO is excited to bring this rare confluence of talents to the Millennium Park Stage with Blue Man Group this June,” said CYSO Music Director Allen Tinkham. “Combining Blue Man Group’s hilarious theatricality with the youthful energy of CYSO’s talented musicians will make for a potent blend that is certain to offer a singularly exciting concert experience for audiences that night.”

On June 8, Blue Man Group will perform teasers of well-known classical pieces from Khachaturian, Wagner, and others along with the orchestra. CYSO will perform an array of pieces from its tour to China, including Johannes Brahms

’Variations on a Theme of Joseph Haydn, op. 56a, Zhou Long’s “The Rhyme of Taigu” and Béla Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra. 

The special programming will also include other audience favorites, with an infusion of colorful surprises from Blue Man Group.  

The Blue Man Group and CYSO performance event is free and open to the public at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph Street). For more information please visit: www.cyso.org

ChiIL Tech Tip:

Download the new CYSO App now for access to exclusive content!

The new CYSO App is now available for download on all Apple and Android devices. This FREE app will provide access to exclusive content for CYSO concerts and events. 

* What’s New

Shows the next event and the most recent music, videos and news.

* Events

Browse upcoming events. Get complete performance information including CYSO ensemble, venue, dates, repertoire & artists. 

* Music

Listen to select CYSO recordings on your mobile device. All repertoire information including composers, works, soloists, conductors and ensembles is included. High quality audio options are available if you are connected through a high speed network.

* Videos

Watch your favorite and new CYSO videos, including CYSO Webisodes and concert footage.

The CYSO App is powered by InstantEncore.

**The first event featured in the app is the June 8 Millennium Park concert with Blue Man Group! Download this free app now to gain access to program notes, artist information, and special offers from CYSO and Blue Man Group!**

Click Here on Apple Devices

Click Here on Android Devices

Or search CYSO in the App Store or Google Play

About Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras 

CYSO’s Symphony Orchestra has earned an international reputation as a premi

er orchestral ensemble featuring extraordinary young musicians from the Chicago area. Allen Tinkham was appointed Music Director of CYSO in 2001. During his tenure, CYSO has won eight of its 11 ASCAP National Awards for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music, as well as four 

Illinois Council of Orchestras awards (two Programming of the Year Awards and two Youth Orchestra of the Year Awards). Under Tinkham’s direction, CYSO ensembles have performed at Orchestra Hall, Millennium Park, Ravinia, Carnegie Hall and several international locales. CYSO has taken the stage three times at Lollapalooza, Chicago’s legendary rock music festival, 

the first time in August 2007 when it became the first ever classical music ensemble to do so.  

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) has provided music education through orchestral programs and performance opportunities of the highest caliber since 1946. CYSO currently serves 475 Chicago area musicians ages 7-18 through three full orchestras, two string orchestras, multiple steel orchestras and supplemental programs that include chamber music ensembles, music theory and composition. It also reaches the diverse population of Chicago Public School students, educators and community members each year through its Music Pathways program.  Music Pathways includes an In-School Residency Program with several partner Chicago Public elementary schools, Clinics for partner Chicago Public high schools, free Community Concerts, a Private Lesson Program for current CYSO students and Neighborhood Ensembles. CYSO, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is investing in the future of music and 

the next generation of leaders. For more information visit www.cyso.org or call 312-939-2207. 

Click here to follow CYSO on Twitter.   Click here to "Like" CYSO on Facebook. 

About Blue Man Group  

Blue Man Group is a unique and thrilling multi-sensory experience that fuses innovative 

theatrical spectacle and powerful original music with hilarious comedy to create a performance experience unlike any other. The iconic, silent, inquisitive Blue Man character has remained consistent since the show’s opening, but the world he reacts to is continuously changing, allowing for a production that continuously evolves. 

One of the world’s most popular theatrical productions, today’s Blue Man Group is a blend of signature material that has been in the show since the opening, as well as newer passages that examine the influence of technology on today’s world with a funny and perceptive look at contemporary communication vehicles. The performance then closes with a pulsating finale that has audiences up and out of their seats, featuring an original Blue Man Group music score. 

The company’s music, featuring custom made instruments and signature, percussive sound, can be heard on five albums, including the Grammy-nominated “Audio,” as well as various film and television projects. As the company grows, it remains true to its vision of providing exciting experiences in a variety of media, appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds.   

Blue Man Group Ticket Information: 

Tickets are available from $49-$99. Tickets may be purchased at the Briar Street Theatre by 

calling the box office at (773) 348-4000; by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787; at all 

Ticketmaster ticket centers or via the Internet at 

www.ticketmaster.com/bluemanchicago

For more information, visit 

www.blueman.com/chicago

FREE TICKETS FOR 7th ANNUAL CHICAGO DANCING FESTIVAL BECOME AVAILABLE NEXT WEEK #dance #multicultural

Ticket Release: July 16, 17 & 18 Chicago Dancing Festival: August 20–24

  Tickets for the 7th annual Chicago Dancing Festival, the “Free-to-All” Festival at venues across downtown Chicago, become available to the general public next week, beginning Tuesday, July 16 at noon.  During the Festival’s five-day run there are five completely free performance showcases, though tickets for indoor events must be reserved in advance.  Co-produced by internationally renowned choreographer and native Chicagoan Lar Lubovitch and highly esteemed Chicago dancer Jay Franke, the 2013 Chicago Dancing Festival features top ballet, modern, ethnic and rhythmic dance companies from Chicago and across the country, set to take place August 20 – 24.

Tickets will be released in a staggered format so that each venue releases its tickets on a different day, as follows:  Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at 12 Noon Tickets for the “The Harris at 10! Anniversary Special” performance on Tuesday, August 20 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance will be available in person at the Harris Theater Box Office, 205 E. Randolph Drive or by calling (312) 334-7777.  Limit two (2) tickets per order. Wednesday, July 17 at 12 Noon Tickets for the “Dancing in Chicago” performance on Thursday, August 22 at the Auditorium Theatre will be available in person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office, 50 E. Congress Parkway, online at www.ticketmaster.com/auditorium or by calling (800) 982-ARTS.  Not available at Ticketmaster Outlets.  Limit two (2) tickets per order. Thursday, July 18 at 12 Noon Tickets for the “Solitaire – A Game of Dance” performances on Friday, August 23 at the Museum of Contemporary Art will be available in person at the MCA Stage Box Office, 220 E. Chicago Avenue or by calling (312) 397-4010.  Limit two (2) tickets per order.

No tickets are needed for the outdoor “Celebration of Dance” Grand Finale performance at the Pritzker Pavilion, Saturday, August 24. 

Any tickets unclaimed at 15 minutes prior to curtain time will be released to those in a Stand-by line.  Stand-by lines begin one hour before the performance, in person only.  All tickets will be held at Will-Call.  All seating for all venues is general admission.  The full 2013 Chicago Dancing Festival schedule is below – program updates include the addition of Brooklyn Mack from the Washington Ballet and Tamako Miyazaki from Columbia Classical Ballet/Dortmund Ballet to the Tuesday and Saturday programs.

  CHICAGO DANCING FESTIVAL 2013 SCHEDULE

Tuesday, August 20, 7:30 pm – “The Harris at 10! Anniversary Special” Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive · Brian Brooks of Brian Brooks Moving Company, I’m Going to Explode by Brian Brooks · Chicago Human Rhythm Project, In the beginning…^ by Lane Alexander and Bril Barrett (Premiere).  Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Little mortal jump by Alejandro Cerrudo · The Joffrey Ballet, Son of Chamber Symphony by Stanton Welch · Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Crisis Variations+ by Lar Lubovitch · Brooklyn Mack from the Washington Ballet and Tamako Miyazaki from Columbia Classical Ballet/Dortmund Ballet, pas de deux from Diana and Actaeon by Agrippina Vaganova.

  Wednesday, August 21, 6:30 pm – “Solitaire – A Game of Dance” (Gala Performance & Benefit) Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Avenue · The Chicago Dancing Festival celebrates seven years with its annual Gala, an evening celebrating solo artists from the world of classical, contemporary, Bharata Natyam and Flamenco dance.  This fundraising benefit includes a performance and benefit with an opportunity to mingle with many of this year’s participating artists.  Tickets are $250 per person and can be purchased by emailing info@chicagodancingfestival.com.  Space is limited.

Thursday, August 22, 7:30 pm – “Dancing in Chicago” Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway • Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater* in residence at Northeastern Illinois University, Bolero by Dame Libby Komaiko · Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, piece to be announced ·        The Joffrey Ballet, Episode 31^ by Alexander Ekman (Chicago Premiere) ·        Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Transparent Things+ by Lar Lubovitch

Friday, August 23, 6 pm and 8 pm – “Solitaire – A Game of Dance” (The Art of the Solo) Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Avenue ·        Samuel Lee Roberts of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, In/Side by Robert Battle · Brian Brooks of Brian Brooks Moving Company, I’m Going to Explode by Brian Brooks · Camille A. Brown of Camille A. Brown & Dancers, The Real Cool (a solo excerpt from Mr. Tol E. Rance) by Camille A. Brown · Julia Hinojosa of Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater*+, Ensueños de mi Caribe by Julia Hinojosa · Johnny McMillan, David Schultz and Jonathan Fredrickson of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, PACOPEPEPLUTO by Alejandro Cerrudo · Victoria Jaiani of The Joffrey Ballet, The Dying Swan by Mikhail Fokine · Krithika Rajagopalan of Natya Dance Theatre*, Sthithihi by Krithika Rajagopalan

Saturday, August 24, 7:30 pm – “Celebration of Dance” Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph Street · Samuel Lee Roberts of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, In/Side by Robert Battle · Chicago Human Rhythm Project, In the beginning…^ by Lane Alexander and Bril Barrett · Giordano Dance Chicago, Two Become Three by Alexander Ekman (2012 CDF Commission) · Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater*, Bolero by Dame Libby Komaiko · The Joffrey Ballet, Interplay by Jerome Robbins ·        Philadanco*, Wake Up by Rennie Harris · Brooklyn Mack from the Washington Ballet and Tamako Miyazaki from Columbia Classical Ballet, pas de deux from Diana and Actaeon by Agrippina Vaganova. All programs are subject to change. *CDF Debut ^CDF Commission +Presented with live music

About the Chicago Dancing Festival Established in 2007, the Chicago Dancing Festival was founded to elevate awareness of dance in Chicago, to increase accessibility to the art form and to provide inspiration for local artists.  Its mission is to present a wide variety of excellent dance, enrich the lives of the people of Chicago and provide increased accessibility to the art form, thereby helping create a new audience.  Its vision is to raise the national and international profile of dance in the city, furthering Chicago as the “dance capital of the world” (as Mayor Rahm Emanuel put it at the 2012 Chicago Dancing Festival). 

  Lar Lubovitch (Founder, Artistic Director) is one of America's most versatile and highly acclaimed choreographers and founded the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company 45 years ago.  In the years since, he has choreographed more than 100 dances for his New York-based company, which has performed in nearly all 50 American states as well as in more than 30 foreign countries.  Born in Chicago, Mr. Lubovitch was educated at the University of Iowa and the Juilliard School in New York.

  Jay Franke (Founder, Artistic Director) began his formal training at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, Texas.  In 1993, he was selected as a Finalist for the Presidential Scholar in the Arts and accepted into the Juilliard School.  Upon receiving his BFA in Dance from the Juilliard School, Mr. Franke went to work with the Twyla Tharp Dance Company, “THARP!”  Mr. Franke has since danced with The 58 Group, Lyric Opera Ballet Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and was a leading dancer in the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company from 2005 to 2010.

  The Chicago Dancing Festival is grateful for its 2013 supporters including: InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, Official Hotel Partner; Chicago Sun-Times, Print Media Sponsor; Museum of Contemporary Art; Harris Theater for Music and Dance; City of Chicago, Millennium Park; The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University; The Robert and Jamie Taylor Foundation; David Herro and Jay Franke; Illinois Arts Council; National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works; The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; The Chicago Community Trust; Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development; The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; and the Irving Harris Foundation.

  Click here for more information on the Chicago Dancing Festival, its history and 2013 offerings.