MILLENNIUM PARK SUMMER 2008

"This year, Millennium Park will host more than 350 free public events in an ongoing celebration of summer in Chicago.  From the Family Fun Festival to classical, jazz and world music concerts, dance, workouts and more, we are pleased to present a roster of events as diverse and engaging as Chicago itself," said Lois Weisberg, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.

The Family Fun Festival returns to Millennium Park from June 3 - September 1, full of interactive activities, a performance stage, a reading circle and musical games for kids of all ages, in addition to three concerts on the stage of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion (Chicago Children's Choir on June 12; Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players on July 20; and a summer concert extravaganza on September 1).  For four days in July, everyone can prepare to be amazed when the renowned performing artists, Australia's Strange Fruit, take over Millennium Park's Chase Promenade perched atop tall flexible poles and perform their unique brand of theater, circus and dance from on high. 

Visitors will not want to miss the 74th annual Grant Park Music Festival, along with two of the Park's popular music series-Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz and the international Music Without Borders series.  Another summer highlight is Blockbuster Week, which this year will feature world-class dance from The Joffrey Ballet, stars from Lyric Opera of Chicago, and works from the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, along with Andrew Bird in Concert, and a live taping of NPR's Wait Wait.Don't Tell Me!

New programs this summer include A Rabbit's Tale, an original puppet play on the stage of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion that will be performed throughout the summer; Audible Architecture: Chicago Nightclubs at Noon, a new Monday lunchtime cutting-edge music series on the stage of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion; Audio Picnic, a Monday night electronic music series on the Great Lawn; and Rising Stars, a new series featuring some of the best and brightest of Chicago's young artists.  In addition, teens from the After School Matters program will be at work throughout the summer in a tent on the Chase Promenade South.

Rounding out the season are additional concerts-including Chicago Jazz Philharmonic: Hope in Action, with Orbert Davis' 50-piece orchestra honoring the life and ideals of Nelson Mandela (July 21), and the opening of the 30^th Annual Jazz Festival with Sonny Rollins in Concert (August 28).  Dance performances, a workout series, gallery talks, open rehearsals, garden tours and more will complete the season.  A complete schedule is attached.

Free concerts and events in Millennium Park are presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, Millennium Park. 

Highlights of the 2008 summer season in Millennium Park include: