NEW Exhibition + Performances! Goat Island Archive - Historic Chicago-based Theatre Group at the Chicago Cultural Center - FREE (Chicago, IL.)

 

 

goat island archive – we have discovered the performance by making it

HISTORIC CHICAGO-BASED THEATRE GROUP INSPIRES NEW PERFORMANCE SPACE AND ACTIVATIONS AT THE CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER  

In conjunction with the city's Year of Chicago Theatre, nine national and international performance groups and artists will develop and present new work inspired by Goat Island

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events is pleased to announce the details for goat island archive–we have discovered the performance by making it at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.). In conjunction with the city's Year of Chicago Theatre, nine national and international performance groups and artists have been commissioned to develop and present new work, each inspired by one of Goat Island's original performances. The exhibition archive will occupy adjacent galleries and open in two parts, with the performance space and activations open February 2–June 23 in the Sidney R. Yates Gallery, 4^th Floor North, and the exhibition open March 30–June 23, in the Exhibition Hall, 4th Floor North.

Throughout the 23 years of its existence (1986–2009), the Chicago-based Goat Island contributed to the conception of nine major performance works, accompanied by publications, film and video projects, workshops, summer schools, lectures and symposia, inventing a complex institution bigger than the individual works. Freed from prescribed narrative and dialog, the work of Goat Island is built slowly in a creative process informed by repetition, chance and individual perception. The company was known for its sustained collaborative production approaches with work created over the years by Karen Christopher, Joan Dickinson, Matthew Goulish, Lin Hixson, Greg McCain, Tim McCain, Mark Jeffery, Bryan Saner and Litó Walkey. Their democratic, shared activations continue to influence generations of artists, theatre makers, cultural theorists, social philosophers and teachers.

In conjunction with the city's Year of Chicago Theatre, nine national and international performance groups and artists have been commissioned to develop and present new work, each inspired by one of Goat Island's original performances. A tenth performance created from fragments of the nine new responses will be presented in June during a week of concluding events. These will take place at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Sidney R. Yates Gallery, which will be transformed into a to-scale re-imagining of Goat Island’s rehearsal space – a church gymnasium – available for viewing and creative engagement on February 2. Additionally, the works-in-progress will be presented at partner cultural venues throughout Chicago as part of the IN>TIME Festival and final world premieres at the Chicago Cultural Center's Sidney R. Yates Gallery.

The accompanying exhibition in the Chicago Cultural Center’s adjacent Exhibit Hall opens on March 30 and will display the physical archive of materials, from drawings and choreographic scores to traveling cases and costumes. The exhibition has been devised to replicate the generative and pedagogic processes of Goat Island while reflecting upon the extent of the company’s influences. This project is co-curated with Nicholas Lowe, associate professor and curator of the Goat Island Archive at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Performance and Exhibition Schedule

During the exhibition run at the Chicago Cultural Center, final world-premiere works will take place at the Chicago Cultural Center's Sidney R. Yates Gallery, which has been transformed into a to-scale, re-imagined rehearsal space of the church gymnasium where the collective rehearsed. All performances and the exhibition are free admission.

Performance Space and Activations

February 2–June 23

Chicago Cultural Center, Sidney R. Yates Gallery, 4^th Floor North

The Chicago Cultural Center’s Sidney R. Yates Gallery will be transformed into a to-scale re-imagining of Goat Island’s rehearsal space – a church gymnasium. The space will host several residencies and performances.

Exhibition Preview

Friday, March 29, 6–9 p.m.; performance at 7 p.m.

Chicago Cultural Center, Exhibit Hall & Sidney R. Yates Gallery, 4^th Floor North

Exhibition

March 30–June 23

Chicago Cultural Center, Exhibit Hall, 4^th Floor North

The accompanying exhibition will display the physical archive of materials, from drawings and choreographic scores to traveling cases and costumes. The exhibition has been devised to replicate the generative and pedagogic processes of Goat Island while reflecting upon the extent of the company’s influences. This project is co-curated with Nicholas Lowe, associate professor and curator of the Goat Island Archive at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

hancock & kelly (Richard Hancock and Traci Kelly, United Kingdom, now based in Germany)

World Premiere Performance: Performing the Archive: Jackie Kennedy Flees the Scene of Her Husband’s Murder responding to Soldier, Child, Tortured Man (1986)

March 29-30, 7 p.m. and March 31, 2 p.m.

Chicago Cultural Center, Sidney R. Yates Gallery, 4^th Floor North

Work-in-progress will be presented as part of the IN>TIME Festival on Saturday, March 23, 7 p.m. at 6018North, 6018 N. Kenmore Ave.

Augusto Corrieri (United Kingdom)

World Premiere Performance: Play to delete responding to We Got A Date (1989)

Friday–Saturday, April 12–13, 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 14, 2 p.m.

Chicago Cultural Center, Sidney R. Yates Gallery, 4^th Floor North

Work-in-progress will be presented as part of the IN>TIME Festival on Monday, February 18, 7:30 p.m., at High Concept Labs, Mana Contemporary Chicago, 2233 S. Throop St., 4^th Floor

Robert Walton (Australia)

World Premiere Performance: Can’t Take Johnny to the Funeral responding to Can’t Take Johnny to the Funeral (1991)

Friday–Saturday, April 19–20, 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 21, 2 p.m.

Chicago Cultural Center, Sidney R. Yates Gallery, 4^th Floor North

Work-in-progress will be presented as part of the IN>TIME Festival on Thursday, February 21, 6 p.m., at Hyde Park Arts Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave.

Judith Leemann (Boston, MA)

World Premiere Performance: enter, the symptom [I will show self-control.] responding to It’s Shifting, Hank (1993)

Friday–Saturday, April 26–27, 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 28, 2 p.m.

Chicago Cultural Center, Sidney R. Yates Gallery, 4^th Floor North

Work-in-progress will be presented as part of the IN>TIME Festival on Saturday, February 16, 4 p.m., at Comfort Station, 2579 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Jefferson Pinder (Chicago, IL)

World Premiere Performance: This Is Not A Drill responding to How Dear To Me the Hour When Daylight Dies (1996)

Friday–Saturday, May 10–11, 7 p.m.

Chicago Cultural Center, Sidney R. Yates Gallery, 4^th Floor North

Work-in-progress will be presented as part of the IN>TIME Festival on a date TBD at Gallery 400, 400 S. Peoria St.

BADco. (Croatia)

World Premiere Performance: Impossible Dances responding to The Sea & Poison (1998)

Friday–Saturday, May 24–25, 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 26, 2 p.m.

Chicago Cultural Center, Sidney R. Yates Gallery, 4^th Floor North

Note: The May 24 performance is preceded by an artist talk at 7 p.m. with Erin Manning with the performance at 8 p.m.

Work-in-progress will be presented as part of the IN>TIME Festival on Thursday–Saturday, February 21–23, 8 p.m., at Links Hall, 3111 N. Western Ave.

Vlatka Horvat (United Kingdom)

World Premiere Performance: Third Hand responding to It’s an Earthquake in My Heart (2001)

Tuesday, June 4–Thursday, June 6, 7 p.m.

Chicago Cultural Center, Sidney R. Yates Gallery, 4^th Floor North

Work-in-progress will be presented as part of the IN>TIME Festival on Thursday, April 4, 7 p.m., at Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies, 4 W. Burton Pl.

Ryan Tacata (San Francisco, CA)

World Premiere Performance: Minor Repair responding to When will the September roses bloom? Last night was only a comedy. (a double performance) (2004)

and

Ian Hatcher (New York, NY)

World Premiere Performance: Private Screening responding to The Lastmaker (2007)

Friday–Saturday, June 7–8, 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 9, 2 p.m.

Chicago Cultural Center, Sidney R. Yates Gallery, 4^th Floor North

Ryan Tacata’s work-in-progress will be presented as part of the IN>TIME Festival on Sunday, February 10, 6 p.m. at Defibrillator Performance Art Gallery (dfbrl8r), Zhou B. Art Center, 1029 W. 35^th St.

Ian Hatcher’s work-in-progress will be presented as part of the IN>TIME Festival on Saturday, February 23, 7 p.m., at Red Rover Series, Outer Space Studios, 1474 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Archive Transitions

Most Wednesdays, April 10–June 12, noon–2 p.m.

Chicago Cultural Center, Exhibit Hall, 4^th Floor North

The exhibition of the archive will change intermittently to allow a focus on each of the original nine Goat Island performances as well as a special framing of works included in the first international tour of the company:

• Wednesday, April 10: We Got A Date
• Wednesday, April 17: Can't Take Johnny to the Funeral
• Wednesday, April 24: It's Shifting, Hank
• Wednesday, May 1: representing Goat Island’s first UK tour (first three shows are reorganized together)
• Wednesday, May 8: How Dear To Me the Hour When Daylight Dies
• Wednesday, May 22:  The Sea & Poison 
• Wednesday, May 29: It's an Earthquake in My Heart
• Friday, June 7: When will the September roses bloom? Last night was a only a comedy. (a double performance)
• Friday, June 7: The Lastmaker
• Wednesday, June12: Final program TBD

Convening Performance and Activities

Thursday, June 13–Saturday, June 15

Chicago Cultural Center, Sidney R. Yates Gallery, 4^th Floor North

Over a three-day period, artists and members of the public are invited to consider three ideas—environment, response and body—in proximity to the archive of Goat Island. The Convening will re-articulate the archive through a series of reflections and echoes of Goat Island. A new tenth performance inspired by the original nine will be created and presented on the final day. Additional details will be released later this spring.

World Premiere Performance: nine missing scenes in response

Friday, June 14, 7 p.m.

Chicago Cultural Center, Sidney R. Yates Gallery, 4^th Floor North

This multimedia event weaves the research and performative responses by the nine commissioned artists into a singular happening.

All exhibitions and performances, including goat island archive–we have discovered the performance by making it, at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., are presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). Building hours are Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed holidays. Admission is FREE. For information, visit chicagoculturalcenter.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ChiCulturCenter.

2019 Year of Chicago Theatre

The City of Chicago and the League of Chicago Theatres have designated 2019 as the ‘Year of Chicago Theatre.’ This citywide, year-long focus on theatre is the first of its kind in the U.S. The initiative includes performances and special events for the public at hundreds of cultural venues, theaters, parks and neighborhood locations throughout the city. The City of Chicago and its partners will also launch a marketing campaign; provide additional financial grants to theatre projects; encourage dialog around inclusion and equity; and call on civic, philanthropic, arts and business leaders to support the theatre community. To truly fall in love with Chicago, you must go to our theatres. This is where the city bares its fearless soul. From Broadway musicals to storefront plays and improv, there’s a seat waiting for you at one of our 200+ theatres. Book your next show today at ChicagoPlays.com.

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.

Gospel Music ChicagoMade A+R Auditions - FREE Preveiw on Sat. March 16, 6-9pm (Chicago, IL. )

 

 

WHAT:            Gospel Music ChicagoMade A&R Auditions

                        Chicago Gospel Music Festival Preview - FREE Admission

                       

                        he free event will feature emerging, Chicagoland-based gospel music artists  performing live for an audience including a panel of major and
 independent  music label and entertainment industry executives. All participants will be considered for a set at this year’s Chicago Gospel Music Festival, May 31 and June 1

WHEN:            Saturday, March 16

                        6–9 p.m.

WHERE:         West Point Missionary Baptist Church

                        3566 S. Cottage Grove

WHO:              10+ Emerging Chicagoland-based Gospel Music Artists

                        Emcee: Mary Datcher, Editor-in-Chief, Bronzeville Life   

                        Panel of industry and media representatives include:

• • • Sean Carter, A&R, My Block Inc.
    • Tyra Martin, Senior Segment Producer at WGN TV
    • Juan Teague, Owner Juan and Only Events
    • Rose Razel, Executive Producer, Chicago Recording Academy

In anticipation of the upcoming Chicago Gospel Music Festival, May 31 and June 1, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is pleased to present the ChicagoMade Gospel Music A&R (Artists & Repertoire ) Auditions. The free event will feature emerging, Chicagoland-based gospel music artists performing live for an audience including a panel of major and independent music label and entertainment industry executives. All participants will be considered for a set at this year’s Chicago Gospel Music Festival.

The ChicagoMade Gospel Music A&R Auditions is part of the free DCASE Professional Development Series that includes an A&R Audition for all music genres this fall, as well as workshops, panel discussions, conferences and more. The program aims to support Chicago’s creative community and directly connect emerging artists to the City of Chicago’s most visible festivals, events and cultural programming.

Celebrating the music style’s deep Chicago roots with traditional choirs and contemporary urban gospel music, the 34^th Chicago Gospel Music Festival features local and national artists on May 31 and June 1 in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.) and the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.). For complete details on the free admission festival, visit chicagogospelmusicfestival.us, like us on Facebook at Chicago Gospel Music Festival or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ChicagoDCASE (#ChiGospelMusic).

Chicago Critics Announce First Seven Films | 2019 Chicago Critics Film Festival (Chicago, IL.)

 

Seventh Annual CHICAGO CRITICS FILM FESTIVAL Announces First Films, Passes on Sale Presented by Chicago Film Critics Association, early selections include Sundance smash hit THE FAREWELL starring Awkwafina, 40th Anniversary Screening of ALIEN on 35mm    The Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA), the Chicago-area print, online and broadcast critics group that celebrates the art of film and film criticism, announces the first seven films selected for the 2019 Chicago Critics Film Festival. First titles include the Sundance Film Festival smash hit, THE FAREWELL, by Lulu Wang and starring Awkwafina (pictured). Passes are now on sale for the event, May 17–23 at Chicago's historic Music Box Theatre; more information on the first selected films, plus festival passes, is available here. With these initial selections, festival programmers (all CFCA members) present some of the most acclaimed yet-to-be-released films of the year, making Chicago a must-screen destination for films that audiences will be talking about for months to come. Among the early selections are the much-acclaimed THE NIGHTINGALE, the latest from writer/director Jennifer Kent (The Babadook); MONOS, heralding the new filmmaking talent of director Alejandro Landes; and THEM THAT FOLLOW, starring Olivia Colman fresh off her Academy Award-winning role in The Favourite. With the inclusion of a 40th Anniversary screening of Ridley Scott’s sci-fi classic ALIEN on 35mm, the Chicago Critics Film Festival bolsters its already impressive reputation for programming that’s built to impress. The first seven films selected for the 2019 Chicago Critics Film Festival are: ALIEN presented on 35mm (directed by Ridley Scott) THE FAREWELL (written and directed by Lulu Wang) IN FABRIC (written and directed by Peter Strickland) LIGHT FROM LIGHT (written and directed by Paul Hirrell) MONOS (directed by Alejandro Landes) THE NIGHTINGALE (written and directed by Jennifer Kent) THEM THAT FOLLOW (written and directed by Britt Poulton and Dan Madison Savage) Additional films, special events, attending filmmakers and guests will be announced in the coming weeks; the best way to ensure access to every aspect of the week-long event is to secure a festival pass, just $150 and available online here. The Chicago Critics Film Festival and the CFCA gratefully acknowledge the support of festival sponsors. The Chicago Critics Film Festival annually features a selection of acclaimed films chosen by members of the organization, a combination of recent festival favorites and as-yet-undistributed works from a variety of filmmakers, from established Oscar winners to talented newcomers. It is the only current example of a major film critics group that hosts its own festival. Follow the CFCA and the festival on Twitter at @chicagocritics and on Facebook here. About the Chicago Film Critics Association The Chicago Film Critics Association supports and celebrates quality filmmaking that has something to say about our world, our lives, and our society. In the past, while the CFCA’s priority was to support and fight for the continued role of film critics in the media, the CFCA's public interaction was limited to the announcement of its annual film awards. In recent years, the CFCA has expanded its presence on the Chicago arts scene, promoting critical thinking about cinema to a wider base through several initiatives, including the re-launch of a late-winter film awards ceremony; CFCA-hosted film screenings throughout Chicagoland; and a Young People's Film Criticism Workshop at Facets Multimedia. The annual Chicago Critics Film Festival further builds on the organization’s goal to be an active part of the Chicago film landscape. About the Music Box Theatre For more than 30 years, the Music Box Theatre has been the premier venue in Chicago for independent and foreign films, festivals and some of the greatest cinematic events in Chicago. It currently has the largest cinema space operated full-time in the city. The Music Box Theatre is independently owned & operated by the Southport Music Box Corporation. SMBC, through its Music Box Films division, also distributes foreign and independent films in the theatrical, DVD and television markets throughout the United States. For more information, please visit www.musicboxtheatre.com

Moniker International Art Fair Announces Collectors Day (NYC)

 

Collectors Day at Moniker Art Fair Moniker announces a new initiative to foster education and access to art collection Courtesy of Moniker Art Fair.  Moniker Art Fair is pleased to introduce Collectors Day, a unique concept designed to encourage art buying from fairs, galleries and artists alike. Taking place on opening day, May 1st, 2019 at the fair’s new NoHo location, 718 Broadway, New York this exploratory initiative challenges and defies the traditional VIP vernissage for art fairs. Providing more than a VIP preview, the day fosters education and accessibility to art collecting through a series of talks and Q&A’s led by collectors, gallery directors, curators, and artists. Moniker’s  second New York edition will take place on May 1-5, 2019. Collectors Day will feature tours across the expansive, multi-level fair lead by Moniker Director Tina Ziegler. Special programming for the day will include panel discussions with art world professionals on a wide range of topics that matter both to veteran and emerging collectors including: how and why to collect contemporary art, the best way to approach building a collection, and investment opportunities and elitism within the art world. Fair Director Tina Ziegler says, “Collectors Day means real, mature discussion on subjects that matter to our collectors. What are the pros and cons of buying direct from artists? How long can it take for art to mature significantly in value? How do I even begin collecting? These are all things we can and should answer, and we can’t wait to see the effect Collectors Day has on our guests.” Collectors Day will also host talks led by accomplished collectors, gallery directors, curators and artists. Moniker’s approach to the new programming for this New York edition is the latest in a series of initiatives that Moniker has undertaken over the last 10 years to make art collecting accessible to the public. As part of  the Collectors Day program collectors will have a chance to hear short presentations from galleries and Spotlight Artists. The 2019 New York edition continues to exemplify the fair’s commitment to exhibiting the depth and breadth of urban contemporary art from across the globe. 2019 New York edition participating galleries include Vinyl on Vinyl Gallery, Philippines; Mazel Gallery, Brussels; Damien Roman Fine Art, The Hamptons; Fusion Gallery, Barcelona with Spotlight artists WK Interact, Christian Boehmer, Evoca 1, ICY & SOT who are recognized leaders in the urban and new contemporary art movement. Partners for the Collectors Day include: Art Money, Art Law, Barneby's Auction House, Greenpoint Innovators, It’s a Small World, Juxtapoz Magazine, Norwood Club,Soho House, TagSmart among others. Collectors Day Program Opening of Moniker Art Fair 2019 | 3pm Drinks Reception and welcome to the fair | 3pm - 4pm Fair Tour with Fair Director Tina Ziegler | 4:30pm - 5:30pm Each person will receive headsets for the tour so they can hear the tour throughout the fair. Each exhibitor will get 5 minutes to introduce their collection to the tour. This gives collectors a guided one-on-one with each gallery and artist. Collecting Art 101: Starting a Collection | 5:30pm This program explores questions every new collector should ask themselves: how do you define your personal taste as a collector? What type of collector are you? How to purchase art for passion and purpose? Collecting Art 101: Investing in Art | 6:15pm A round table discussion on how collectors control the market, why it’s important to collect in today’s climate, and the good and bad aspects of buying art on Instagram. . Guest Speakers include: Derek Gores, Professional Artist, part of the Open Studios Program; Jonathan Levine, Director of Jonathan Levine Gallery (New York); Evan Pricco Editor-in-Chief of Juxtapoz Magazine; Damien A Roman, Director of Damien Roman Fine Art Gallery, The Hamptons; Yasha Young Director and Curator of Urban Nation Museum, Berlin; Tina Ziegler, Director and Curator of Moniker Art Fair. Additional speakers and programming to be announced. TICKET PRICES & OPENING TIMES: VIP Collectors Day: Wednesday, May 1 - 3pm - 10pm Ticket price: $75 (Including a $50 credit towards any purchased artwork + a Moniker artist reusable cup) Public Opening: Thursday, May 2: 12pm - 9pm: Ticket Price: $25 (+ a Moniker customized artist cup) General Opening days: Friday, May 3: 12pm - 9pm Saturday, May 4: 11am - 8pm Sunday, May 5: 11am - 6pm General Admission: Adults $15 Students and Under 16: Free Seniors (65+): $10 FREE Entrance Times: Access to the fair is free to all members of the public for 90 minutes each day. Thursday 12pm - 1:30pm Friday 12pm - 1:30pm Sunday 11am -12:30pm About Moniker International Art Fair Now in its 10th year, Moniker Art Fair aims to spotlight emerging and established talent from a burgeoning and increasingly diverse contemporary art movement forged by its subversive and innovative spirit. Staged for the first time during New York’s most important art week in May, Moniker International Art Fair attracts some of the most talked about artists, galleries and collectors from the finer side of the street art movement and its related subcultures. Moniker rallies against the familiar grind of the art fair season with a curated, experiential and immersive focus, creating unique settings for the display of artists and their work. With a proven track record of delivering a rich and varied program since its formation in 2010, the fair has grown significantly since its inception both in terms of audience and relevance. Fair Contact Tina Ziegler | Fair Director 44) 0 790 419 6389 tina@monikerartfair.com

Chicago's Millennium Park 2019 Summer Season - FREE Festivals, Music, Films, Theater, Dance, Visual Arts, Family Programs, Workouts, Nature and MORE

CITY OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES THE 2019 MILLENNIUM PARK SUMMER SEASON

The 15^th Summer Season will Feature the Year of Chicago Theatre, Latinx Arts and Culture, the Grant Park Music Festival’s 85^th Season and an Upgraded Outdoor Concert Sound System

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) are pleased to announce the highlights of Millennium Park’s 2019 summer season running from May through September. Millennium Park will offer programming celebrating the Year of Chicago Theatre, traditional favorites like the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, Summer Music Series, Summer Film Series and SummerDance Celebration, in addition to dozens of free concerts, events, family activities, nature programs, workouts, public art and more.

“This summer, millions of Chicago residents and visitors will flock to Millennium Park to experience world class theatre, music, art and culture for free throughout the summer,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “Summer programming in Millennium Park is one of many reasons that it is the number one attraction in the Midwest.”

2019 is the Year of Chicago Theatre, and Millennium Park will be celebrating with theatre residencies, movies and family events throughout the summer. A series of weekly Millennium Park Theatre Residencies will bring local theatre performances into the Park from July to October. Also, in conjunction with the Year of Chicago Theatre, DCASE has partnered with 13 local theatre companies to co-produce this summer’s Millennium Park Summer Film Series (Tuesdays, June 4–August 20). Companies include About Face Theatre, Aguijón Theater, Black Ensemble Theater, Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Court Theatre, eta Creative Arts, Free Street Theater, Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Teatro Vista and Victory Gardens Theater. The full schedule including movie titles will be announced this spring.

“Located in the heart of the city, Millennium Park offers a beautiful gathering place for all to linger and enjoy,” said Mark Kelly, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. “We encourage everyone to discover Chicago Theatre, our great music legacy, Latin American arts and culture, dancing, the art collection of architecture and landscape design that provides the perfect backdrop for hundreds of free cultural programs.”

Other highlights of the summer season are several events celebrating Latinx arts and culture. On Sunday, June 30, the Mariachi Heritage Foundation will co-produce the 5^th Annual Chicago Mariachi Festival. The Mexican Indigenous Music Festival co-produced by the Old Town School of Folk Music and Cenzontles will take place Sunday, July 21, and on August 27, México en el Corazón will take place once again. Additionally, the Millennium Park Music Series will feature multiple Latinx artists, and two of the Millennium Park Film Series movies will be co-produced with partners Teatro Vista and Aguijón Theater.

Visitors will enjoy a premier experience at all of this summer’s programming at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. After 15 years as one of the world’s best outdoor concert sound systems, the speakers and audio control systems at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion have been completely upgraded for the 2019 season. The new upgraded system represents the cutting edge of audio technology—once again elevating the Pavilion as one of the world’s finest outdoor audio experience. The $2.5 million upgrade was 100% supported by Millennium Park Foundation donors and through the generosity of the Pritzker Family Endowment managed by the Millennium Park Foundation.

The 2019 Millennium Park summer season is produced by DCASE and its programming collaborators and is supported by the Millennium Park Foundation and others.

Millennium Park is Chicago’s town square and the anchor of an urban cultural campus that includes the Chicago Cultural Center, Maggie Daley Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. Opened in 2004, Millennium Park is a 24.5-acre urban park in the heart of downtown Chicago, home to the iconic Cloud Gate (also known as “The Bean”) sculpture by Anish Kapoor, Crown Fountain designed by Jaume Plensa, the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the internationally-acclaimed Lurie Garden and more.

2019 Summer Season Schedule: May-September

MUSIC

Live music has been a hallmark of Millennium Park since its founding, and this 15^th summer season is no exception. DCASE and its partners are pleased to present a diverse lineup of Chicago artists as well as musical acts from across the U.S. and the globe. Lineups for the festivals, music series and film series will be released later this spring. Admission to all events and festivals is FREE. For the latest news and events, visit millenniumpark.org or download the Millennium Park app.

The Millennium Park Summer Music Series will offer an exciting lineup of outdoor concerts on most Mondays and Thursdays, June 13–August 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The music series features a wide variety of genre-defying music from top local, national and international artists—both established and emerging. The lineup will be announced this spring.

As the birthplace of the urban blues, gospel music, house music and other beloved genres, Chicago invites music lovers from around the world to celebrate its musical legacy at three consecutive weekend festivals in Millennium Park – the Chicago House Music Conference and Festival, the Chicago Gospel Music Festival and the Chicago Blues Festival.

The 4^th Annual Chicago House Music Conference and Festival, Thursday, May 23–Saturday, May 25, starts in the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.) with programs catering to DJs, musicians and industry professionals on May 23, and then moves outside, May 24–25, for live performances and family activities at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and throughout the Park. Headline performances at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion will feature the Chicago debut of London’s Reel People. Other artists will include legendary DJ and producer Tony Humphries from New York City, Moodymann from Detroit and Chicago mainstays Gene Hunt, Mark Grusane and First Lady. The full schedule will be announced this spring at chicagohousemusicfestival.us.

The 34^th Chicago Gospel Music Festival returns to Millennium Park, as well as the Chicago Cultural Center, this Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1. Celebrating the great influence of the music genre born in this city more than 80 years ago, the Chicago Gospel Music Festival will present the country’s top gospel artists, from traditional choirs to contemporary urban gospel. The full schedule will be announced this spring at chicagogospelmusicfestival.us.

With a diverse lineup celebrating the blues’ past, present and future, the 36th Annual Chicago Blues Festival shares the great Chicago music tradition with the world and shines a spotlight on its contributions to soul, R&B, gospel, rock, hip-hop and more at the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park, Friday, June 7–Sunday, June 9. The headliners performing at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion over the three days include: Bobby Rush, The Jimmy Johnson Band, Charlie Musselwhite with special guest Billy Boy Arnold, Bettye LaVette, Don Bryant, Latimore, Ruthie Foster, a tribute to Mike Ledbetter featuring The CONNECTION with Mike Welch and Larkin Poe. The full schedule will be announced this spring at chicagobluesfestival.us.

For more than 80 years, the Grant Park Music Festival has been Chicago’s summer musical sensation, demonstrating that classical music, performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus can have a transformative impact on the city. That tradition continues June 12–August 17 as the Festival celebrates 85 seasons of unforgettable summer concerts, along with the 15^th anniversary of Millennium Park, and 20 years of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Carlos Kalmar leading the award-winning Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus, and renowned guest artists. Most performances are Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, with free seats available for every concert. The Grant Park Music Festival is presented by the Grant Park Orchestral Association, in partnership with the Chicago Park District and DCASE. Start times vary. For the complete schedule, visit gpmf.org.

The 41st Annual Chicago Jazz Festival showcases four stages of free live performances by Chicago’s vast jazz talent alongside national and international jazz legends and artists. The festival starts on Friday, August 23, with free performances at neighborhood clubs and venues throughout the city, with headline performances at Millennium Park Thursday, August 29–Sunday, September 1. Produced by DCASE and programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago, the full schedule will be announced this spring at chicagojazzfestival.us.

The 21^st Annual World Music Festival Chicago rounds out the city’s summer music festivals with performances taking place September 13–29 in various locations. Millennium Park will serve as one of the many festival venues with a performance at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Saturday, September 14. The city-wide, multi-venue festival has attracted over 800,000 concertgoers and has presented more than 800 artists and ensembles from over 80 countries since it began in 1999—making it the largest world music festival in the United States. Artists will be announced at a later date at worldmusicfestivalchicago.org.

Throughout the summer season, Millennium Park will also feature a series of one-night-only special performances showcasing classical music, dance, opera, Broadway hits and more, performed by some of Chicago’s best-loved cultural institutions. Highlights include Paint the Town Red produced by the Chicago Children’s Choir on Thursday, May 23, Yo-Yo Ma “The Bach Project” produced by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association on Thursday, June 20; the 5^th Annual Chicago Mariachi Festival produced by the Mariachi Heritage Foundation on Sunday, June 30; The Mexican Indigenous Music Festival produced by the Old Town School of Folk Music and Cenzontles on Sunday, July 21; the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic on Monday, July 22; the annual Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert on Monday, August 12; México en el Corazón on Tuesday, August 27; the Stars of Lyric Opera on Friday, September 6; and Third Coast Percussion on Monday, September 9. For details and times, visit millenniumpark.org. These programs are supported by a DCASE ArtsSpace grant, providing venue space and support for free public programs produced by Chicago arts and culture organizations.

FILMS

To celebrate 2019 as the Year of Chicago Theatre, the Millennium Park Summer Film Series will co-present each film of the series with a select Chicago theatre company, providing a season-long sampling of themes, ethnicities and genres to reflect the city’s rich passion for cinema in all its variety. On Tuesdays, June 4–August 20 at 6:30 p.m., film lovers can take a seat at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or spread out a blanket on the Great Lawn to watch favorite films on a state-of-the-art, 40-foot LED screen. The lineup will be announced this spring. The Summer Film Series is supported by the Millennium Park Foundation.

THEATRE & DANCE

As part of the 2019 Year of Chicago Theatre, a series of weekly Millennium Park Theatre Residencies will bring local theatre companies into the Park from July to October. DCASE is currently seeking proposals from Chicago's diverse theatre and performance community to develop site-specific theatre performances that engage the unique architecture, design, public art and Cloud Gate Plaza as the ultimate stage. Application information is at millenniumpark.org, and the deadline is March 25.

Grab your dancing shoes for the SummerDance Celebration on Saturday, August 24, a day-long family-friendly festival of dance throughout the Park. Highlights include a dance village, interactive dances from around the world, Chicago-based dance companies performing at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a House DJ Dance Party at Cloud Gate and much more. Complete details will be announced later this spring at chicagosummerdance.org.

RECREATION

For the fitness-minded—Millennium Park will once again offer free Summer Workouts on the Great Lawn, Saturdays, Tuesday and Thursdays, May 25–August 31. The Park will host themed workouts on Saturday, May 25, featuring house music in conjunction with the Chicago House Music Festival, and on Saturday, June 1, featuring gospel music in conjunction with the Chicago Gospel Music Festival. Each workout is 45 minutes, with Pilates at 7 a.m., Yoga at 8 a.m., Tai Chi at 9 a.m. and Zumba® at 10 a.m. Weekday Yoga will also be offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, May 28–September 5, 7:30–8:15 a.m. Summer Workouts are produced by DCASE with grant support provided by McDonald’s Active Lifestyles Endowment, managed by the Millennium Park Foundation.

FAMILY FUN

Families are invited to join the fun all summer long with free activities in the tent at Chase Promenade North, including music and arts and crafts for kids of all ages at the Family Fun Festival, Mondays through Fridays, June 24–August 9, 10 a.m.–2p.m. The series is supported by the Millennium Park Foundation and the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation.

Visitors are invited to stop by and check out the After School Matters Summer Program, Mondays through Fridays, June 24–August 9, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., showcasing Chicago teens discovering their creativity all summer long through a variety of visual arts programs in the Chase Promenade North and the After School Matters Jazz Band rehearsals and performances in Wrigley Square. In the summer, After School Matters provides nearly 13,000 opportunities throughout the city for Chicago teens to develop their talents in the arts, communication and leadership, sports and STEM, while gaining critical skills for college, careers and beyond. For details, visit afterschoolmatters.org.

YAS! Fest Youth Arts Showcase on Saturday, September 21, will highlight young artists in dance, theatre, music, spoken word, the visual arts and more. Through performances and activities, all ages will discover and celebrate the creativity and talent of emerging local artists–and those helping to inspire their creative potential. The full schedule will be announced this summer.

NATURE

Lurie Garden is an internationally-acclaimed, 3.5-acre urban oasis for people and wildlife alike in the southeast corner of Millennium Park, open daily 6 a.m.–11 p.m. Lurie Garden offers over 75 free public nature programs during the year, including free walking tours, and holds their annual Plant Sale on Saturday, June 1, 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Lurie Garden is supported by the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Foundation Endowment managed by the Millennium Park Foundation. For details about Lurie Garden's wildlife, programs and tour schedule visit luriegarden.org. Stay in touch with @LurieGarden on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Experience an award-winning restaurant—and the city’s largest al fresco dining venue—at the Park Grill and The Plaza at Millennium Park, offering contemporary American cuisine with a Chicago flair inside and casual fare, live music, a family-friendly game tent, full walk-up bar & more outside. Open daily, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. the Park Grill offers food and refreshments on the go, from ice cream, to creating your own Chicago-style picnic. For complete information, visit parkgrillchicago.com.

During concerts and events at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, concessions at the Goose Island Beer Garden at the northeast corner of the pavilion and other locations will feature offerings from Goose Island Beer Company, Stella Rosa, Pepsi and Aquafina

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 Millennium Park on Facebook and follow @Millennium_Park on Twitter and Instagram. To plan your trip to Chicago for Millennium Park events and more, visit choosechicago.com.

This summer season, Millennium Park will once again implement additional security measures designed to improve the visitor experience at the park. Beginning in May, the City of Chicago will implement a security perimeter and bag check for all concerts and events that take place in Millennium Park. These strengthened security measures were developed with the City's public safety officials, and will provide similar protections to other major events, trade shows, retail spaces and airports around the world.

Outside alcohol will also be prohibited at the seven Jay Pritzker Pavilion events with the highest attendance, including the Chicago House Music Festival on May 24–25; the Chicago Blues Festival from 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 from August 29–September 1. Outside alcohol will be allowed at the more than 70 public concerts and programs happening in Millennium Park this summer.

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.

Visitors are encouraged to take CTA to Millennium Park. To plan your route, visit chicagotransit.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 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.

Millennium Park Foundation

The Millennium Park Foundation, a private, philanthropic not-for-profit partner, was created in 1998 to support the City of Chicago’s efforts in the design, construction and management of Millennium Park. It is the steward of Millennium Park’s internationally-recognized icons and public features. These include the prestigious Jay Pritzker Pavilion and dramatic BP Pedestrian Bridge, world-renowned Cloud Gate and Lurie Garden, iconic Crown Fountain, and exquisite Boeing Galleries for public art exhibitions. Through its ongoing development initiatives, the Millennium Park Foundation is dedicated to keeping Millennium Park a free and accessible venue for all Chicagoans today, and for generations to come.

2019 Year of Chicago Theatre

The City of Chicago and the League of Chicago Theatres have designated 2019 as the ‘Year of Chicago Theatre.’ This citywide, year-long focus on theatre is the first of its kind in the U.S. The initiative includes performances and special events throughout the city – including theatre-themed events in all 77 community areas, as part of the Chicago Park District’s ‘Night Out in the Parks’ series. The City of Chicago and its partners will also launch a marketing campaign; provide additional financial grants to theatre projects; encourage dialog around inclusion and equity; and call on civic, philanthropic, arts and business leaders to support the theatre community. To truly fall in love with Chicago, you must go to our theatres. This is where the city bares its fearless soul. From Broadway musicals to storefront plays and improv, there’s a seat waiting for you at one of our 200+ theatres. Book your next show today at ChicagoPlays.com.