Traveller's Spotlight: Katsuki

This morning I was able to have a little chat with Katsuki, a guest from Japan, before she headed out for her day.  Katsuki is an architect who builds very specialized buildings.  She says there are not a lot of people who can build the types of buildings she can because they are all very unique and original.  She travels all around the world for her career and is in Chicago for two months.  Because of her background, Katsuki loves taking strolls around Chicago and enjoying the architecture, as well as meeting new people. She thinks this hostel has a very different atmosphere than others she has been to, and it reminds her of a college.  Katsuki finds joy in cooking; I bet she can cook some very different things from traveling so much!  Also, she really loves music. She wants to check out a Blues club around town, but unfortunately has been too tired the last few nights and wants to try again this weekend.  After Chicago, she is headed to Toronto, Canada.  We hope you get to listen to some blues before you head out and have a safe trip! 

Chicago Festivals!

Though the frigid winter weather continues to rage on, there are many exciting events to look forward to in Chicago as we move into Spring and Summer! Chicago has a ton of festivals, and a lot of them are even free!

Here are some of the main events to look forward to in the coming months:

Creative Chicago Expo

Are you a professional or aspiring designer, musician, filmmaker, artist, chef, or involved in another creative career field? Come to Creative Chicago Expo! There are over 30 workshops and 140 exhibitors coming together for this event.

Dates: Friday and Saturday, March 14-15

Location:  Chicago Cultural Center

    78 E. Washington Street

Time: 10am – 4pm

Cost: Free

Chicago Kids and Kites Festival

In the effort to celebrate the joys of being a kid, Chicago Kids and Kites is a wonderful event for the whole family to attend. Activities include face painting, balloon art, kite flying and instruction, and crafts.

Date: Saturday, May 4

Location: Cricket Hill in Lincoln Park

    W. Montrose Drive

Time: 10am – 4 pm

Cost: Free

Chicago Memorial Day Parade

The Chicago Memorial Day Parade is one of the largest in the nation, celebrating the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.

Date: Saturday, May 24

Location: State St. from Lake St. to Van Buren

                 State St. and Lake St.

Time: At 11am, the Wreath Laying Ceremony will begin at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza (Dearborn and Washington Streets). The parade will step off at noon and proceed south on State Street from Lake Street to VanBuren Street.

Cost: Free

Millennium Park Music Series

Throughout the summer, there are several free music concerts which take place at Millennium Park.

Dates:

Loops and Variations – Thursdays from May 29-July 3

Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays from June 2 – August 11, no concert 7/28

Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz – Thursdays

Chicago Blues Festival

The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world, and also one of the most popular in Chicago, located at Millennium and Grant Park .

Dates: Friday-Sunday, June 13-15.

A complete schedule and list of performances and times will be released later this spring.

Chicago Summer Film Series

Come to Millennium Park on Tuesdays between June 24 and August 29 for FREE summer film screenings at the Jay Pritzker Pavillion in Millennium Park.

Chicago Gospel Music Festival

Date: June 27-29

Location: Multiple Locations, including the Chicago Cultural Center

More information will be available later this spring. For more information, go to www.chicagogospelmusicfestival.us

Chicago SummerDance

This dancing event includes a one hour dancing lesson taught by a professional and followed by two hours of live music and dancing. And the best part is—it’s free!

Dates: June 27-September 14 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday)

Location: Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park

Time: TBA

Cost: Free

Taste of Chicago

What better way to experience Chicago than tasting a little bit of everything? Come enjoy the food and festivities.

Dates:July 9-13

Location: Grant Park

Cost: Free Admission

Chicago Air and Water Show

The Chicago Air and Water Show is the largest free show of its kind in the United States.

Dates: August 16 & 17

Location: North Avenue Beach

Time: 10am – 3pm

Cost: Free

Chicago Jazz Festival

Dates: August 28-31

Location: Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, Grant Park

Cost: Free

Introducing New Blog Poster

Hey everyone!

 

My name is Erin and I just recently began an internship at HI-Chicago, and I’ll be updating this blog for the next few months or so.  To give you a brief background about me, I’m currently enrolled at Spring Arbor University in Michigan but I’m in Chicago for the semester to finish up my degree in Business Administration. With that degree, my long term career goals involve helping to improve working conditions and education in impoverished countries.  

Meanwhile, I’m trying to learn as much as I can about other cultures. This last May, I traveled to Germany, France, and Austria and I absolutely loved being completely immersed into a new culture; I even made the move to Chicago to continue experiencing diversity and thrilling city life!  Staying in the hostels was something I really enjoyed overseas, which is a big part of why I pursued an internship here. You never know who you are going to meet, and you can never hear too many stories about where people are from or even stories from their excursions here in Chicago.

In my spare time, I love catching up with friends over a good cup of coffee, going on long walks, knitting, or playing guitar (and attempting to sing). My seven roommates and I are continually looking for new adventures and exciting activities to do in the city; let me tell you, there are endless opportunities! I look forward to diving into Chicago and exploring all it has to offer in the coming months and keeping you all updated as well! Happy traveling!

Traveller's Spotlight: Ava Su

Throwing her head back for a full laugh, Ava Su begins to eat her pastry. "Desert first, most important," she says.

I found this little lady of Chinese decent heating up some food for dinner in the kitchen. She decided it would be ok to talk to me a little about her life and travels.

Whats Ava Su all about? Most recently, dancing. Her forte is in Contact Improvisation, a dance form in which points of physical contact provide a dance starting point. "U.S.A people have something against touching. There is nothing wrong with touching!" she said.

Currently, Ava Su is in Chicago just for the night. Tomorrow morning, she is off to Wisconsin where she will be attending the Contact Improvisation Enthusiasts Retreat for five days. Each year, the retreat welcomes a group of about 50 participants to sink into the joy of dancing together with other members of the far-flung Midwestern Contact Improvisation tribe. "When I dance I bring out various cultures and concepts when I dance...One time, I did a dance called "Reward of Living". It was about wrinkles. People revere aging as bad, but I believe wrinkles are beautiful! There are the reward of living," she said. Ava Su is bringing her favorite blueberry pies to treat everyone in Wisconsin with.

Chicago is not unfamiliar to Ava Su. After migrating from China, to Taiwan, and then to the U.S.A, Chicago was Ava Su's home for many years. "I love Chicago.  Transportation is great, its safe, clean...People don't even realize that Chicago has so much to offer." For anyone who's coming to Chicago for the first time, Ava Su recommends going on a boat tour early in the morning where the views are great and history is amazing.

Hyde Park Jazz Festival!

Festival lovers and jazz fiends alike come together for the 2013 Hyde Park Jazz Festival. This Saturday and Sunday (28-29) this FREE festival is going to be featuring some of the finest national and international jazz artists. Saturday, music will begin at 1 and artists will be performing at 13 different venues across Hyde Park.

 The festivals' roots began in late 2006, when Hyde Park cultural leaders got together with the Hyde Park Jazz Society to create this amazing annual event. This first Jazz festival in Hyde Park was held in 2007, where close to 5,000 jazz fans attended the 12-hour free festival. Hyde Park Jazz Festival has managed to establish itself as one of Chicago's premier annual music festival and has even been name Best Neighborhood Festival by Chicago Magazine.

 Each year, the Hyde Park Jazz Festival has seen its audience grow. This year, the anticipated attendance is over 20,000. The event is made possible by hundreds of dedicated volunteers, festival committee members, and support from donors, foundations, and sponsors. In addition to great jazz, the festival also features youth programming, outdoor dance floor, food and beverage vendors, and artisan vendors.

Saturday- 1-midnight

Sun Ra: “Reality Has Touched Against Myth” SATURDAY, 1:00-2:30PM | @ LOGAN CENTER SCREENING ROOM 

Frank Russell Group SATURDAY, 1:00-2:00PM | @ SMART MUSEUM OF ART 

Pharez Whitted Sextet SATURDAY, 1:30PM-2:30PM | @ JAMES WAGNER STAGE 

Jazz Links: Alexis Lanier Trio SATURDAY, 1:30-2:15PM | @ ORIENTAL INSTITUTE MUSEUM BREASTED HALL 

Willie Pickens Trio SATURDAY, 2:00-3:00PM | @ DUSABLE MUSEUM 

University of Chicago Jazz X-Tet, Director Mwata Bowden SATURDAY, 2:00-3:00PM | @ LOGAN CENTER PENTHOUSE 

Jazz Links: Tony Milano Quartet SATURDAY, 2:30-3:15PM | @ ORIENTAL INSTITUTE MUSEUM BREASTED HALL

John Wojciechowski Quartet SATURDAY, 2:30-3:30PM | @ SMART MUSEUM OF ART 

Makaya McCraven Quartet SATURDAY, 2:30-3:30PM | @ LITTLE BLACK PEARL 

Miguel de la Cerna Trio SATURDAY, 3:00-4:00PM | @ LOGAN CENTER PERFORMANCE HALL 

Mike Reed’s People, Places & Things SATURDAY, 3:15-4:14PM | @ JAMES WAGNER STAGE 

DJ Damon Locks SATURDAY, 3:30-4:30PM & 5:30-7:30PM & 8:00-9:30PM | @ WEST STAGE AT THE MIDWAY 

James Falzone SATURDAY, 3:30-4:00PM & 4:30-5:00PM | @ ORIENTAL INSTITUTE MUSEUM GALLERY 

Ari Brown Quintet SATURDAY, 3:30-4:30PM | @ DUSABLE MUSEUM 

Maggie Brown Quartet SATURDAY, 4:00-5:00PM | @ LITTLE BLACK PEARL 

Bernard Scavella Quartet SATURDAY, 4:00-5:00PM | @ HYDE PARK BANK 

DownBeat Blindfold Test: Jeff Parker with Peter Margasak SATURDAY, 4:15-5:00PM | @ LOGAN CENTER SCREENING ROOM 

John Burnett Orchestra featuring Frieda Lee SATURDAY, 4:30-5:30PM | @ WEST STAGE AT THE MIDWAY 

Frank Rosaly’s Green and Gold ** SATURDAY, 5:00-6:00PM | @ LOGAN CENTER PENTHOUSE 

Douglas R. Ewart & Tri-Quasar** SATURDAY, 5:00-5:30PM & 6:00-6:30PM | @ FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT'S ROBIE HOUSE 

Caroline Davis Quartet SATURDAY, 5:30-6:30PM | @ HYDE PARK BANK 

Denise Thimes Quintet SATURDAY, 5:45-6:45PM | @ JAMES WAGNER STAGE 

Gerald Clayton Trio ** SATURDAY, 7:00-8:00PM | @ LOGAN CENTER PERFORMANCE HALL 

Jeff Parker Trio SATURDAY, 7:00-8:00PM | @ INTERNATIONAL HOUSE ASSEMBLY HALL 

Angel d’Cuba SATURDAY, 7:00-8:00PM | @ WEST STAGE AT THE MIDWAY 

Dana Hall Quintet SATURDAY, 8:15-9:15PM | @ JAMES WAGNER STAGE 

Ben Paterson Organ Quintet SATURDAY, 9:30-10:30PM | @ WEST STAGE AT THE MIDWAY 

Ken Vandermark Ensemble: Music of the Midwest School SATURDAY, 9:30-10:30PM | @ LOGAN CENTER PERFORMANCE HALL 

Tomeka Reid Quartet SATURDAY, 9:30-10:30PM | @ INTERNATIONAL HOUSE ASSEMBLY HALL 

Anat Cohen and Douglas Lora Duo SATURDAY, 11:00PM-12MIDNIGHT | @ ROCKEFELLER CHAPEL

Sunday- 1-8pm

Corey Wilkes Quintet SUNDAY, 1:00-2:00PM | @ JAMES WAGNER STAGE 
Alfonso Ponticelli & Swing Gitan SUNDAY, 2:30-3:30PM | @ WEST STAGE AT THE MIDWAY 
Chicago Yestet SUNDAY, 4:00-5:00PM | @ JAMES WAGNER STAGE 
Chicago Jazz Orchestra with vocalist Tammy McCann; Jeff Lindberg, Artistic Director SUNDAY, 5:30-6:30PM | @ WEST STAGE AT THE MIDWAY 
Dee Alexander Quartet SUNDAY, 7:00-8:00PM | @ JAMES WAGNER STAGE

Chicago's 15th annual World Music Festival!

World Music Festival

The 15^th Annual Chicago World Music Festival, presented by the City of Chicago and the Chicago Department of Culural Affairs and Special events, is an 11 day, city-wide, multi-venue festival featuring traditional and contemporary music from diverse cultures and from musicians from around the world. Since it began in 1999, it has attracted over 600,000 concertgoers and more than 600 artists from over 80 countries. This particular year, the Festival has taking a year in the making, and as you read the features shows and artists, you will be able to see the effect of that hard work. A big difference from last years’ set up, which was only seven days.

Best part is, for the second year in a row all the concerts, are free.

WMF will showcase global artists in venues throughout Chicago starting September 12- 22, Listed below are dates from September 18-22:

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Janka Nabay & The Bubu Gang with Leni Stern African Trio

Mayne Stage

1328 W. Morse Ave.

5:30pm doors, 7pm show

All Ages

Pacific Curls with Arifa

Old Town School of Folk Music - Gary and Laura Maurer Hall

4544 N. Lincoln Ave.

8:30pm

All Ages

Thursday, September 19, 2013

  

Baladino with Leni Stern African Trio

Constellation

3111 N. Western Ave.

7:30 doors, 8pm show

*Constellation is 21+

Mono Blanco

Old Town School of Folk Music - Gary and Laura Maurer Hall

4544 N. Lincoln Ave.

8pm

All Ages

Noura Mint Seymali

Mayne Stage

1328 W. Morse Ave.

6:30pm doors, 8pm start

 All Ages

M.A.K.U. SoundSystem with Fatbook

Martyrs’

3855 N. Lincoln Ave.

8pm

*Martyrs' is 21+

Friday, September 20, 2013

Dr. L. Subramaniam | Qawal Najmuddin Saifuddin & Brothers | Pejman Hadadi & Imamyar Hasanov

Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park

201 E. Randolph St.

6pm

All Ages

Fareed Haque & Flat Earth Ensemble performs "Hymn of the Ancients" 

Humboldt Park Boathouse

1359 N. Sacramento Ave.

6pm

All Ages

Co-Presented with the Latino Music Festival

Brock McGuire Band

Old Town School of Folk Music - The Myron R. Szold Music & Dance Hall

4545 N. Lincoln Ave.

8:30pm

All Ages

The Scientist Meets Ted Sirota’s Heavyweight Dub with special guests Shinehead & General Jah Mikey

Martyrs'

3855 N. Lincoln Ave.

9:30pm

*Martyrs' is 21+

Saturday, September 21, 2013

  

Brock McGuire Band (workshop)

Old Town School of Folk Music - The Myron R. Szold Music & Dance Hall

4545 N. Lincoln Ave.

11am

All Ages

Bloco Maximo

Austin Town Hall Park

5610 W. Lake St.

12 Noon

All Ages

Magic Carpet

Navy Pier Beer Garden

600 E. Grand Ave.

1pm

 All Ages

Babá Ken Okulolo & The Nigerian Brothers

Columbia College Chicago Conaway Center

1104 S. Wabash St.

3pm

All Ages

Las BomPleneras

Navy Pier Beer Garden

600 E. Grand Ave.

5pm

All Ages

Pejman Hadadi & Imamyar Hasanov

Reva & David Logan Center of the Arts

915 E. 60th St.

7pm

All Ages

Nawal with Slowbots

Old Town School of Folk Music - Gary and Laura Maurer Hall

4544 W. Lincoln Ave.

7:30pm

All Ages

Brock McGuire Band

Beverly Arts Center

2407 W. 111th St.

8pm

All Ages

Lulacruza

Mayne Stage

1328 W. Morse Ave.

7:30pm doors, 9pm show

*Mayne Stage is 18+

Sunday, September 22, 2013

“One World Under One Roof - WMF Closing Night at the Chicago Cultural Center”

78 E Washington St.

2-9pm

All Ages

Qawal Najmuddin Saifuddin & Brothers | Brock McGuire Band | Babá Ken Okulolo & The Nigerian Brothers

Preston Bradley Hall, Chicago Cultural Center

78 E. Washington St., 3rd Floor

2:30-8:45pm

•           7:15-8:45pm - Qawal Najmuddin Saifuddin & Brothers

•           5:15-6:30pm - Brock McGuire Band

•           2:30-3:45pm - Baba Ken Okulolo & The Nigerian Brothers

Christine Salem | DakhaBrakha | Lulacruza

Claudia Cassidy Theater, Chicago Cultural Center

78 E. Washington St., 2nd Floor

4-9pm

•           7:30-9pm - Christine Salem

•           5:30-7pm - DakhaBrakha

•           4-5pm - Lulacruza

Janusz Prusinowski Trio | Andreas Kapsalis & Goran Ivanovic | Paulinho Garcia

Randolph Square, Chicago Cultural Center

77 E. Randolph St., 1st Floor

2-5:45pm

•           4:30-5:4pm - Janusz Prusinowski Trio

•           3:15-4:15pm - Andreas Kapsalis & Goran Ivanovic

•           2-3pm - Paulinho Garcia

Closing Night Party

Debo Band

Martyrs'

3855 N. Lincoln Ave.

8:30pm

*Martyrs' is 21+

Traveller Spotlight: Thorsten

I met Thorsten on the 2nd floor and immediately learned that the 'h' in his name is silent. Thorsten is a 23 year old from Germany, on a road trip with his friend around Lake Michigan. Him and his friend have already successfully rented a car and gone around Lake Michigan, and loved it. However, this isn't Thorsten's first time in the U.S. In the past, he has been on an east coast road trip from Boston to Miami. Luckily for us Chicagoans, Thorsten has formed a good opinion of us inlanders. "The Midwest is a lot cooler than the East," he says. Thanks Thorsten!

In Germany, Thorsten is still in school studying information management, and is still treasuring his last weeks of freedom. He is not a novice to travel, though. He's been to Denmark, Netherlands, Hungary, Sweden, France, and Tunisia. His favorite parts of Germany are in the north, where he has found people to be much more open and friendly than in the southern parts of the country.

So far on his stay in Chicago Thorsten has been all around the loop, been up the Hancock and enjoyed the view very much, and he has big upcoming plans of doing 'non-touristy' activities such as checking out local neighborhoods and shops.

His future travel plans include Vancouver, Canada and the west side of the U.S!

-Diana Zawojska