Neighborhood News – Chicago Loop, Lincoln Square, Grant Park, Millennium Park

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‘June is busting out all over,’ as Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote for their musical ‘Carousel.” Somehow, that’s more appropriate than ever before, because summer in Chicago is defined by three consecutive words….Music, music music!!! 

From outdoor festivals to indoor concerts, the new month brings lots of ways to celebrate the summer…and music, music, music!

Revel in Ravel at the CSO… From Thursday, June 2 to Saturday, June 4, at Orchestra Hall, 220 S. Michigan Avenue, Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts the pastoral romance of Daphnis and Chloe, Maurice Ravel’s balletic composition depicting the struggles of mythological twin half-brothers Castor and Pollux. Opening the program is Caroline Shaw’s Entracte, a refreshing blend of traditional harmony and contrasting dissonance inspired by Haydn’s String Quartet Op. 77, No. 2. A free preconcert conversation featuring Derek Matson in Orchestra Hall takes place 75 minutes before the performance. For more information and tickets, click here.

Maifest in June Prost! The German celebration of the arrival of spring begins in Lincoln Square, Lincoln and Leland, on Thursday, June 2. The Zicke Zacke Party Band starts the fest at 6pm, while Friday, June 3 marks the Official Opening Ceremony at 8pm with the Traditional Keg Tapping and May Queen Crowning. On Saturday, Maifest is open from noon-11pm and features Phenix, Doctor Xylo and the Brainiacs, and the Polkaholics. Sunday, the fest is open from noon-10pm and features Paloma, the Ya-Ya’s, and Northside. Admission to Maifest Chicago is free and open to all. For more information, click here. 

Opa! Lincoln Park Greek Fest at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2701 N. Sheffield Avenue, brings all the aromas, sounds, tastes and traditions of Greece on Friday, June 3: 5pm to 11pm; Saturday, June 4: Noon to 11pm; and Sunday, June 5: Noon to 10pm.  For a suggested donation of $10, all ages can sway to the music of 16 Candles, the Ormi Orchestra, and the Perifania School of Hellenic Music & Dance Troupe. For more information, click here.

Raise Your Voice onSaturday, June 4, as the Chicago Gospel Music Festival premiers at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph Street. This family-friendly celebration of the music genre born in this city kicks off at 2:45pm with Duane Powell at DJ Sunday Service, followed by The Greater Harvest Sanctuary Choir, Pastor Daniel X. Smith and NSMIC.  A special quartet honors the life and the legacy of Deacon Reuben Burton, featuring Tim White and Refocused and The Hoskins Family.  Free to all. For schedule and more information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago