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

LINEUP ANNOUNCED: THE 36TH ANNUAL FREE CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL RETURNS JUNE 7-9, 2019 IN MILLENNIUM PARK

THE 36TH ANNUAL CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL FULL LINEUP CELEBRATES CHICAGO’S RICH BLUES MUSIC LEGACY JUNE 7-9 IN MILLENNIUM PARK 

Headliners include: Bobby Rush, Jimmy Johnson Blues Band, Charlie Musselwhite with Billy Boy Arnold, Bettye LaVette, Don Bryant, Latimore, Ruthie Foster, The CONNECTION: Mike Welch & Friends, Larkin Poe and many more

Experience Chicago’s rich blues music legacy at the 36th Annual Chicago Blues Festival happening Friday, June 7 to Sunday, June 9 in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.). The Chicago Blues Festival will celebrate the genre’s music legacy in Chicago with live performances on six stages by the local and national blues artists in the city’s premier outdoor music venue.

Admission to the Chicago Blues Festival is free. For complete details, visit ChicagoBluesFestival.us.

As the birthplace of house, gospel music, urban blues and other beloved genres, Chicago invites music lovers from around the world to celebrate its music legacy at three consecutive weekend festivals – the Chicago House Conference and Music Festival (May 23–May 25), the Chicago Gospel Music Festival (May 31 and June 1) and the Chicago Blues Festival (June 7–9) – on stage in Millennium Park, at the Chicago Cultural Center as well as in music venues and clubs throughout the city.

“With a diverse lineup celebrating the blues’ past, present and future, the Chicago Blues Festival features live music performances on multiple stages in Millennium Park,” said Mark Kelly, Commissioner, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. “Each year national and local artists celebrate the city’s rich Blues tradition while shining a spotlight on the genre’s contributions to soul, R&B, gospel, rock hip-hop and more.”

Headliners on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage will perform from 5 to 9 p.m. each evening. Music and entertainment throughout the park will begin at 11 a.m. each day.



Friday, June 7 – Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Blues Hall of Fame member, Bobby Rush will headline the festival on opening day. The GRAMMY® Award-winning artist was named by Rolling Stone "The King of the Chitlin' Circuit" for his vigorous touring schedule and energetic show. Before Bobby Rush takes the stage, the Jimmy Johnson Blues Band will mark the 90th birthday of Mr. Johnson, one of the genre’s legendary artists and member of the Blues Hall of Fame. The evening will lead off with Charlie Musselwhite joined by special guest Billy Boy Arnold. The famed Memphis harmonica player has won numerous awards and become an icon. Shortly before winning the GRAMMY® Award for Best Blues Album for their collaboration Get Up!, he and Ben Harper played at the White House for President Obama and the First Lady in a salute to Memphis soul.

Saturday, June 8–Jay Pritzker Pavilion
The award-winning and legendary soul artist Bettye LaVette will headline the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage. One of the very few of her contemporaries who were recording during the birth of soul music in the 60s, LaVette is still creating vital recordings today. Opening the evening’s showcase are Don Bryant and Latimore. Don Bryant started his career as a gospel music artist at an early age and found soul at Hi Records in Memphis, Tennessee. Most recently, he was invited to perform with the Memphis-based soul homage outfit The Bo-Keys. R&B singer, songwriter, keyboardist and Blues Hall of Famer, Latimore will kick off the night. His electric keyboard comes complete with “string-bending” guitar sound effects.

Sunday, June 9–Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Ruthie Foster will headline the closing night of the festival. The award-winning artist’s latest album Joy Comes Back, described as “some folk, some blues, some soul, some rock, some gospel,” illustrates Ruthie’s genre-spanning talent. Also on the bill, a special tribute set for the late Mike Ledbetter by The CONNECTION with Mike Welch & Friends. Mike Ledbetter had been invited to perform at this year’s festival with the Welch–Ledbetter Connection before his untimely death in January. Larkin Poe, the American roots sister duo poised to make their mark with the 2018 release of Venom & Faith, will open the stage on the final evening.

Additional Stages
In addition to the main Jay Pritzker Pavilion, local and national blues musicians celebrating the genre’s rich tradition and heritage will perform throughout the day and evening at:

The Budweiser Crossroads Stage presents a high energy mix of electric blues, blues rock, country blues and R&B on the South Chase Promenade, daily 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Friday, June 7, the stage will feature two Chicago Blues Festival debuts, 2018 GRAMMY® Award-nominated artist Bombino at 4:15 p.m. and Thornetta Davis, Queen of the Detroit Blues, at 1:30 p.m. Two veteran blues guitarists come together when Guy King with special guest Chris Cain perform at 2:45 p.m. On Saturday, June 8, Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore with The Guilty Ones will make their festival debut at 4:15 p.m. Rico McFarland, Carl Weathersby & Kenneth “Hollywood” Scott will play a special collaboration at 1:30 p.m. On Sunday, June 9, Delmark Records artist Omar Coleman on the harp will take the stage at 11 a.m., followed by later in the day Chicago blues guitarist and Alligator Records artist Toronzo Cannon at 2:45 p.m.

The Visit Mississippi Juke Joint showcases the sounds of the Delta blues on the North Chase Promenade, daily 11:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Friday, June 7, the stage will open with the Jimmy Burns Band at 11:15 a.m. and close with Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, the hardest working bluesman in Chicago, at 4:15 p.m. On Saturday, June 8, fans will get a chance to experience Blues Hall of Famer John Primer & The Real Deal Blues Band performing at 1:45 p.m., followed by the festival debut of Mississippi blues singer O.B. Buchana at 3 p.m. On Sunday, June 9, Mississippi blues legend RL Boyce will bring his hill country blues to the stage at 12:30 p.m. Jackson, Mississippi for his festival debut and bluesman Zac Harmon will make a return performance 3 p.m.

The Front Porch Stage highlights homegrown, Chicago-based blues artists,  with a few surprises, in Wrigley Square, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on Friday, June 7, and Saturday, June 8, and 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 9. On Friday, June 7, the stage will kick off at 11 a.m. with Blues in the Schools with Katherine Davis, Tim Gant, Tino Cortes, Alan Burroughs and Stone Academy. At 3:30, son of Muddy Waters, (Joseph) Mojo Morganfield & The Mannish Boyz will perform, followed by Mzz Reese at 5 p.m. On Saturday, June 8 there will be a special tribute to Chicago blues piano master Otis Spann at 2 p.m. Dom Flemons, known as the American Songster and co-founder of the GRAMMY® Award-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops, will perform at 3:30 p.m. Bridges to the Blues with Art of Culture, Inc., will feature young, emerging musicians at 5 p.m. On Sunday, June 8, festival goers will get a double treat with master blues pianist Erwin Helfer at 12:30 p.m. and Ivy Ford, an International Blues Challenge 2019 finalist, at 5 p.m.

The Park Grill Stage features an array of acoustic and electric soloists, duos and trios in an intimate setting on The Park Grill Plaza, daily from 2 to 4:45 p.m. Performers include renowned blues artists like Eric Noden, Don Flemons, Harmonica Hinds, among others.

Just north of Cloud Gate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, Rosa’s Lounge showcases Chicago Blues legends and emerging artists that have called Rosa’s Lounge home over the last 35 years.

Bridges To The Blues 2019
Bridges to the Blues is a multi-generational program that challenges young Chicago musicians from multiple genres and diverse backgrounds to re-imagine the blues. Participants are invited to collaborate on original music and audition on Monday, June 3, 6–8 p.m., at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater, for an opportunity to perform at the Chicago Blues Festival on Saturday, June 8. Program participants will learn Blues fundamentals, via Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, one of todays’ best blues drummers as well as songwriting and performance best practices from Oscar and multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Che “Rhymefest” Smith. This program is supported by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events (DCASE) and facilitated by Art of Culture  nc.

Before heading to the festival on Sunday, June 9, blues fans are encouraged to stop by Chicago’s historic Maxwell Street Market located at 800 S. Desplaines for live blues from Dave Herrero, noon–2 p.m. The market, open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday, offers unique finds and souvenirs along with the best Latin street food in Chicago. For complete market details, visit MaxwellStreetMarket.us.

The Chicago Blues Festival is FREE and open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily in Millennium Park.
For complete details, visit chicagobluesfestival.us, join the conversation on Facebook at Chicago Blues Festival and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat @ChicagoDCASE (#ChiBluesFest).

The Chicago Blues Festival is presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and sponsored in part by Budweiser, Chicago Jazz Magazine, Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Tribune, CLTV-ChicagoLand’s Television, Rosa’s Lounge, Southwest Airlines, Visit Mississippi, WGN-Television, 90.9fm WDCB Public Radio and 93XRT.



36th Annual Chicago Blues Festival Lineup
Schedule of performances is subject to change

Friday, June 7
Jay Pritzker Pavilion

7:45–9 p.m.                             Bobby Rush

6:30–7:30 p.m.                        Jimmy Johnson Blues Band

5–6:15 p.m                              Charlie Musselwhite with special guest Billy Boy Arnold

Budweiser Crossroads Stage

4:15–5:30 p.m.                        Bombino

2:45–4 p.m.                             Guy King with special guest Chris Cain

1:30–2:30 p.m.                        Thornetta Davis

12:15–1:15 p.m.                      Benny Turner and Real Blues

11 a.m.–12 p.m.                      Joanna Connor

Visit Mississippi Juke Joint  

4:15–5:30 p.m.                        Jam Session with Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith

3–4 p.m.                                  Grady Champion

1:45 p.m.–2:45 p.m.                Karen Wolfe

12:30–1:30 p.m.                      Keith Johnson “Prince of the Delta Blues" & The Big Muddy                                                            Blues Band

11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.            Jimmy Burns Band

Front Porch Stage

8–9 p.m.                                  Vance "Guitar" Kelly & The Backstreet Blues Band

6:30–7:30 p.m.                        Breezy Rodio

5–6 p.m.                                  Mzz Reese

3:30–4:30 p.m.                        Mojo Morganfield & The Mannish Boyz

2–3 p.m.                                  Kenny Smith & The House Bumpers

12:30–1:30 p.m.                      Bob Stroger

11 a.m.–12 p.m.                      Blues in the Schools with Katherine Davis, Tim Gant, Tino Cortes, Alan Burroughs + Stone Academy

Park Grill Stage

4–4:45 p.m.                             Jimmy Nick & Don’t Tell Mama

3–3:45 p.m.                             Eric Noden

2–2:45 p.m.                             Gerry Hundt’s Legendary One-Man Band

Rosa’s Lounge
11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Daily showcase of Chicago Blues Legends and emerging artists that have called Rosa's Lounge home over the last 35 years.

Saturday, June 8
Jay Pritzker Pavilion

7:45–9 p.m.                             Bettye LaVette

6:30–7:30 p.m.                        Don Bryant

5:15–6:15 p.m.                        Latimore

Budweiser Crossroads Stage

4:15–5:30 p.m.                        Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore with The Guilty Ones

3–4 p.m.                                  Billy Boy Arnold

1:30–2:45 p.m.                        Rico McFarland, Carl Weathersby and Kenneth “Hollywood”                                                  Scott

12:15–1:15 p.m.                      Marquise Knox

11 a.m.–12 p.m.                      Melody Angel

Visit Mississippi Juke Joint Stage

4:15–5:30 p.m.                        Jam Session with Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith

3–4 p.m.                                  O.B. Buchana

1:45 p.m.–2:45 p.m.                John Primer & The Real Deal Blues Band

12:30–1:30 p.m.                      Super Chikan

11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.            Jesse “Guitar” Robinson

Front Porch Stage

8–9 p.m.                                  Lurrie Bell

6:30–7:30 p.m.                        Morry Sochat & The Special 20s

5–6 p.m.                                  Bridges to the Blues

3:30–4:30 p.m.                        Dom Flemons

2–3 p.m.                                  Chicago Blues Piano Master—A Tribute To Otis Spann

12:30–1:30 p.m.                      The Joel Paterson Organ Trio featuring Chris Foreman

11 a.m.–12 p.m.                      Mary Lane

Park Grill Stage

4–4:45 p.m.                             Doktu Rhute Muuzic

3–3:45 p.m.                             Harmonica Hinds

2–2:45 p.m.                             Dom Flemons

Rosa’s Lounge
11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Daily showcase of Chicago Blues Legends and emerging artists that have called Rosa's Lounge home over the last 35 years.

Sunday, June 9
Jay Pritzker Pavilion

7:45–9 p.m.                             Ruthie Foster

6:30–7:30 p.m.                        The CONNECTION: Mike Welch & Friends

5:15–6:15 p.m.                        Larkin Poe

Budweiser Crossroads Stage

4:15–5:30 p.m.                        Roomful of Blues with special appearance by guest vocalist                                                           Lynne Jordan

2:45–4 p.m.                             Toronzo Cannon

1:30–2:30 p.m.                        The Kinsey Report

12:15–1:15 p.m.                      Melvin Taylor & The Slack Band

11 a.m.–12 p.m.                      Omar Coleman

Visit Mississippi Juke Joint Stage

4:15–5:30 p.m.                        Jam Session with Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith

3–4 p.m.                                  Zac Harmon

1:45 p.m.–2:45 p.m.                Jarekus Singleton

12:30–1:30 p.m.                      RL Boyce

11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.            King Edward

Front Porch Stage

6:30–7:30 p.m.                        Mike Wheeler Band

5–6 p.m.                                  Russ Green

3:30–4:30 p.m.                        Ivy Ford Band

2–3 p.m.                                  Cash Box Kings

12:30–1:30 p.m.                      Erwin Helfer

11 a.m.–12 p.m.                      Willie Buck

Park Grill Stage

4–4:45 p.m.                             Tom Holland & The Shuffle Kings

3–3:45 p.m.                             Rick King’s Royal Hustle

2–2:45 p.m.                             Chicago Bound Blues Band

Rosa’s Lounge
11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Daily showcase of Chicago Blues Legends and emerging artists that have called Rosa's Lounge home over the last 35 years.

Maxwell Street Market – 800 S. Desplaines
Noon–2 p.m.               Dave Herrero

Planning Your Visit to the Chicago Blues Festival
This summer season, Millennium Park will implement additional security measures designed to improve the visitor experience at the park. Outside alcohol will be prohibited at the six Jay Pritzker Pavilion events with the highest attendance, including the Chicago House Music Festival on May 24–25; the Chicago Blues Festival on June 7–9; the Chicago Mariachi Festival on June 30; the Grant Park Music Festival Independence Day Salute on July 4; the Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert on August 12; and the Chicago Jazz Festival on August 29–September 1.

Visitors will have additional food and beverage options at various price points available for purchase inside the venue at the events where outside alcohol is restricted. 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 in Millennium Park.

Take The "L" or Save up to 50% on parking
Visitors are encouraged to take CTA to Millennium Park. To plan your route, visit transitchicago.com. For those parking, Millennium Park Garages are located at Millennium Park Garage and Millennium Lakeside Garage at 5 S. Columbus Drive, Grant Park North Garage at 25 N. Michigan Ave. and Grant Park South Garage at 325 S. Michigan Ave. Pre-purchase parking at millenniumgarages.com and save up to 50% off drive-up rates.

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors. For more information, visit cityofchicago.org/dcase.

WEEKEND PICKS: XQ SUPER SCHOOL LIVE TOUR COMING TO CHICAGO’S HARRIS THEATER AT MILLENNIUM PARK SATURDAY, MARCH 30 AT 7:30 P.M.

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

XQ AND POP-UP MAGAZINE PRODUCTIONS LAUNCH THE XQ SUPER SCHOOL LIVE TOUR

COMING TO CHICAGO’S HARRIS THEATER AT MILLENNIUM PARK SATURDAY, MARCH 30 AT 7:30 P.M.

An immersive and innovative tour across America will combine the power of storytelling and theater, inspiring communities to reimagine high schools.

Host committee includes Ava DuVernay, Sophia Bush, Jimmy Iovine, Yo-Yo Ma, Hebru Brantley, Geoff Canada, and over 100 community organizations including Chicago CRED, Generation All, Chicago Unity for Equity and Urban League of Chicago.   

XQ and Pop-Up Magazine Productions announce XQ Super School Live — a new, one-of-a-kind, immersive storytelling tour to inspire people to reimagine high schools in their own community. This innovative tour is coming to Chicago’s Harris Theater at Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph Dr.,  Saturday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. for a night of high school drama — full of stories, selfie confessionals, viral gratitude, and multimedia adventures that celebrate the everyday heroes transforming America’s high schools. 

General admission tickets are available for $19 at HarrisTheaterChicago.org or by phone at 312.334.7777.

“From Homer to hip-hop, storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to connect people to possibilities” says Russlynn Ali, executive producer, XQ Super School Live and CEO, XQ. “XQ Super School Live will take people on a multi-media journey, using true stories to show how high schools can foster curious, creative and collaborative students. Today all too many don’t. It’s up to us to change that - for every student, no matter their race, gender or zip code. Our students deserve nothing less.”

“Pop-Up Magazine is one of the most vibrant and exciting storytelling platforms of our day,” says Marc Ecko, producer, XQ Super School Live and Chief Creative and Strategy Officer, XQ. “Bringing this blend of live performance journalism and theater to the public is powerful —especially in these times. We’re building a new platform for community engagement and civic empowerment.”

Contributors on the tour include Chris Duffy (Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas), Clio Chang (Splinter, New Republic), Dana Bialek (Panoply, Slate), Christina Esquivel (education activist, Communities in Schools), and Andrew Boryga (New York Times, New Yorker). Stories will be accompanied by illustration, animation, photography, an original score performed onstage by Magik*Magik Orchestra, and 17-year-old DJ Prince.

“We’re thrilled to partner with XQ on this innovative, one-of-a-kind tour that brings Pop-Up Magazine Productions’ signature storytelling to life — live, multimedia, reported — to help shape the way we think about our high schools,” says Derek Fagerstrom, producer, XQ Super School Live and Director of Special Projects at Pop-Up Magazine Productions.

Stories such as Mike Floyd, a Texas teenager who in his senior year of high school decided to run for school board. And won. Or Gary Chery, a student whose hilarious cafeteria reviews amazed his teacher — a future professional comedy writer who celebrated Gary’s creativity — but who struggled in a traditional high school environment.

“XQ Super School Live brings the power of storytelling and theater together to ignite a spirit of social change,” says filmmaker Ava DuVernay. “Stories unlock our imagination and this innovative theatre tour celebrates all those working tirelessly to transform our education system — community leaders, business leaders, parents, teachers, and students.”

From the minute the audience walks into the theater, they will be immersed in XQ Super School Live — greeted with art installations by world-renowned artist and XQ Super School Live Creative Chair Hebru Brantley. Brantley is creating special-edition versions of his iconic, youthful Flyboy and Lil Mama. Brantley’s work challenges the traditional view of the hero with his iconic characters and XQ Super School Live saw parallels with the work needed by everyday heroes to reimagine high schools. This innovative and immersive night continues, from the audience receiving an “Orientation Pack” when they enter to being integrated into the actual show (with phones off!), to a reception after the show that fosters network and community-building to help people connect and take on the work of changing our high schools.

All proceeds from ticket sales benefit local non-profit organizations.

ABOUT XQ 
XQ is a growing and passionate network of educators, students, families, and civic-minded citizens reimagining high school education in the United States. Our mission is to fuel America’s collective creativity to transform high school, so every student succeeds, no matter their race, gender, or zip code. We want to see that change underway in every high school and in every community — in all 14,000+ school districts.

XQ launched in September 2015 as an open call to the nation to reimagine the American high school. More than 10,000 people from all 50 states took part. More than 700 teams created unique ideas for innovative, student-centered high schools. From these, 18 Super Schools are now turning their visions into reality. 

Super Schools are just one element to XQ’s work. We offer free, open source tools and materials so that every community can rethink their high schools. And because we believe that great high schools for all are a hallmark of a great nation, we are carrying that message into homes, schools, and neighborhoods across the country to tell stories that show how innovative and creative high schools can and should be.

XQ is led by Co-Founder and CEO Russlynn Ali, former Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights under President Barack Obama, and Co-Founder and Board Chair Laurene Powell Jobs, president of Emerson Collective. Board members include Geoffrey Canada, Marc Ecko, Jimmy Iovine, Michael Klein and Yo-Yo Ma.
www.xqsuperschool.org
Facebook l Twitter l Instagram

ABOUT POP-UP MAGAZINE PRODUCTIONS 
Pop-Up Magazine Productions brings unforgettable multimedia storytelling to major theaters across the nation with the acclaimed live event, Pop-Up Magazine, called “a sensation” by The New York Times and “beautiful” by the Los Angeles Times. Renowned writers, photographers, radio and podcast producers, and filmmakers perform new, true stories onstage, accompanied by a live band and original score. Pop-Up Magazine Productions also publishes The California Sunday Magazine, the national magazine featuring ambitious reported features and photography from across California, the West, Asia, and Latin America. The California Sunday Magazine, founded at the end of 2014, has been named a finalist for 10 National Magazine Awards, including Magazine of the Year and General Excellence, and won three, including the National Magazine Award for Design and the National Magazine Award for Photography two years in a row. 

For more information visit popupmagazine.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

FREE Outdoor Summer Broadway Showcase Returns To Pritzker Pavilion 8/14

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO ANNOUNCES FREE ANNUAL SUMMER CONCERT

  

Featuring performances by

Disney’s ALADDIN, BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, the Pre-Broadway Engagement of ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE, LES MISÉRABLES, LOVE NEVER DIES,

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, SCHOOL OF ROCK and WICKED

Monday, August 14 at Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park

Chi, IL embraces the outdoor summer concert season with open arms and here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live we just can't get enough. There are free shows galore, in every musical genre. One of our annual favorites is the FREE BROADWAY IN CHICAGO SUMMER CONCERT. Don't miss this! 

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled 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 14, 2017 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 Disney’s ALADDIN, BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, the Pre-Broadway Engagement of ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE, LES MISÉRABLES, LOVE NEVER DIES, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s SCHOOL OF ROCK and WICKED. More performances will be announced closer to the event.

“This is truly our favorite night of the year! At the incomparable Pritzker Pavilion, you are surrounded by the Chicago skyline and entertained by a selection of phenomenal musicals. It is a truly unique evening,” says Eileen LaCario, Vice President of Broadway In Chicago. “The evening brings Chicagoans of all ages together to appreciate Broadway’s best - it is like the 'Lollapalooza' of Broadway.”

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. 

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

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.