Summer Music Festivals are Coming!

With May just around the corner, it’s time to think about summer plans. Many Chicago locals and visitors enjoy Chicago’s annual music festivals. If you’re in need of inexpensive, accessible, and social accommodation then stay with us!

Here is a list of some of Chicago’s most popular music festivals:

Pitchfork

July 13^th – 15^th at Union park

Directions from the hostel: Walk to Adams/Wabash and take the Green Line Train towards Harlem and get off at the Ashland-Lake stop

Spring Awakening

June 16^th – 17^th at Soldier Field

Directions from the hostel: Walk to the State & Harrison/Congress bus stop and take the 146 Bus towards Museum Campus

Lollapoloza [HI-Chicago is sold out for Lolla] [3-day passes are sold out, 1-day tickets are still available]

August 3^rd – 5^th at Grant Park

Directions from the hostel: Only a 5 minute walk from the hostel!

Northcoast

August 31^st – September 2^nd at Union Park

Directions from the hostel: Walk to Adams/Wabash and take the Green Line Train towards Harlem and get off at the Ashland-Lake stop

However, if you’re short on cash, don’t worry. There are plenty of FREE music concerts and festivals featuring a wide range of music styles held throughout the entire summer in Chicago.

Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays

May 28^th – July 30^th every Monday at 6:30 PM

Loops and Variations

June 7^th – July 12^th every Thursday at 6:30 PM

Chicago Blues Festival

June 8^th – 10^th

Grant Park Music Festival

June 13^th – August 10^th on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays

Chicago Gospel Music Festival

June 21^st – 24^th

Taste of Chicago
July 11 - 15
Summer Dance
July 19 - September 16
Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz

July 19^th – August 30^th every Thursday at 6:30 PM

Chicago Jazz Festival

August 30^th – September 2^nd

Chicago World Music Festival

September 21^st – 27^th

A Night at the Opera

When I awoke on Monday morning, I anticipated it would be like any other day. Head to my internship and then a night of catching up on emails, homework, and other meaningless tasks that needed to be done. However, my night drastically changed when a kind man gave away a free ticket to the opera. Being a college student and on a budget, I jumped at the chance to experience something so extravagant. So after rushing home and preparing for the evening, I set out on my newest adventure in Chicago.



As I rounded the corner, a large beautiful building stared back at me. Great round columns stretched to the right of the ornate entryway. Nervous and unsure of what to expect I headed into the warmly lit Opera house. I was overwhelmed with the grand lobby that greeted me. A large regal staircase was to my left and an elaborate balcony wrapped around the three-story foyer.

Attendees were filtering in slowly for the 7:30 showing. Many were enjoying a glass of wine at high tables and admiring their surroundings. Slowly I ascended the staircase, taking in every detail. The railings. The breathtaking crystal chandeliers warming the lobby. The intricate signs. The marble foyer floor. The excited and buzzing Opera lovers.



The stairs first brought me to the Mezzanine floor. Slowly I wandered into the seating area. I was greeted by the incredible and breathtaking stage. Looking over the railing, I could see every detail of the grand room. With the 3,563 seats and the 580 yards of heavy-weight wool velour and silk fringe on the stage curtain, it was an incredible sight to behold. Above the Mezzanine floor there are two additional balconies.



Aside from the grand building itself, the show was yet another marvel. As the orchestra began playing Mozart, I was instantly drawn in. The three and a half hour opera was funny, touching, and capturing. The Marriage of Figaro constantly kept me guessing and entertained by the number of trials faced by Figaro, Susanna, the Count, and the Countess. Never before have I heard such incredible ballads!



By the end of the evening I found myself reluctant to leave. The building, the opera, and the audience members were all such a fascination to me. However, eventually I took one last look at the stage and theater, engraved it in my memory, and headed home. From now on, every time I hear a beautiful composition by Mozart, I will be reminded of my incredible night at the Opera!


-Erika Ter Louw, HI intern

Legends of Chicago

Buddy Guy’s Legend is home to some of Chicago’s best blues. Named after the 73-year-old Louisiana native, Buddy Guy, the restaurant boasts great food and incredible atmosphere. Guy himself returns to Chicago every January to perform at his original spot. Locals flock to see him flawlessly play his guitar and sing a variety of songs from ballads to funk and blues. Guy’s down-to-earth demeanor makes every customer feel welcome and relaxed.

Buddy Guy is not the only musician to claim the stage at the local restaurant. Buddy Guy’s Legend hosts numerous aspiring and well-known artists in the area. In the upcoming week they will be hosting the Union League Civic & Arts Foundation Jazz Improv Competition on February 17. Friday the 19th and Saturday the 20th are also packed with music from Guy King and His Little Big Band and Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, among others. To find out what bands are playing each night, go to Buddy Guy’s Legend website: http://buddyguy.com. On Sundays through Thursday the music starts at 9:30 pm. However, on Fridays music lovers can arrive early at 5:30 pm and Saturdays at 6 pm to hear an acoustic set. But you might want to get there early, because seats fill up fast! This popular location also boasts a wide menu. Serving anything from burgers to Jambalaya (named Top Ten at Taste of Chicago), Buddy Guy’s Legend has a varied cuisine to offer dinners. They are also open for lunch Monday through Friday, with acoustic performances playing from noon to 2 pm. HI Chicago loves Buddy Guy’s Legends so much we wanted to offer travelers a discount! So stop by the 2nd floor information desk to get a coupon and receive ½ off admission Sunday through Thursday! We are sure you will leave with a satisfied stomach and ear!

-Erika Ter Louw, HI Chicago Intern