Neighborhood News – Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue in Chicago’s Loop, Northcenter, Jefferson Park, Streeterville, Roscoe Village, Magnificent Mile

Welcome to July and may the Fourth be with you! Chicago’s neighborhoods are rising to the occasion with lots of activities and community gatherings celebrating the birth of American independence.

On the Street Where You Live… nowthrough July 10 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W.Randolph, Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Ladytells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a ‘proper lady.’ The show features classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “On the Street Where You Live.” For tickets, click here.

Freedom in Art…The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Avenue, new, groundbreaking exhibit Cezanne, nowthrough September 5, sheds new light not only on how this artist created his works, but why his art remains so vital today. Paul Cezanne’s (French, 1839–1906) works span media and genres, through little-known early allegorical paintings, Impressionist landscapes, portraits, and bather scenes. As the website asks, “Would pictures made this way somehow be truer to life than those made by other means?” For tickets,  click here.

Grillin’ and grinnin’…Nothing says July 4 like grilled fresh meats and vegetables! Prep for your barbecue and enjoy the beautiful summer weather at the Northcenter Farmers Market on Saturdays from 8am -1pm at  Northcenter Town Square, 4100 N. Damen. The Northcenter Farmers Market is one of the oldest farmers markets on the North Side of Chicago, and features such vendors as Broken K Ranch, where you can find beef, chicken, and eggs, Liz Madsen Farms, with fresh vegetables, herbs, flowers, and more, and Three Bees, where you can purchase honey and beeswax products. For more information, click here.

DIY FourthPatriotic Crafts for the 4th of July on Saturday, July 2, from 1pm – 4pm at the Jefferson Park Public Library, 5363 W. Lawrence Avenue. The library encourages kids of all ages to drop by for glitter fireworks and more! They encourage all to wear a mask, as well as residents under the age of 5 who are not yet eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. For more information, click here.

Stars and Stripes Forever… Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus’ annual Independence Day Salute of patriotic music at Jay Pritzker Pavilion gets underway Saturday, July 2, at 7:30pm.  Christopher Bell conducts a program that includes a George Gershwin medley, along with favorites by composers Aaron Copland, John Williams, John Philip Sousa, Irving Berlin, and so many more! Nothing is more stirring than our patriotic marches and anthems to reaffirm our collective voice. For tickets, click here.

After the concert, head to Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, find your favorite spot and watch dazzling Fireworks light up the night sky at 9:30 pm. A special twist this year…while supplies last, guests will receive ‘diffraction glasses’ to “add visual interest” to the already spectacular fireworks display, accompanied by holiday-themed music. Free.

Fresh from the Grill… Shop for your Fourth of July barbecue at Roscoe Village Farmers Market at Jahn Elementary School, 3149 N. Wolcott Avenue, on Sunday, July 3, from 8am –12pm. Shop from a cornucopia of fresh produce, fresh breads, pastries, cheeses, coffee, honey, and so much more! Plus, enjoy family-friendly activities, live music and free workouts throughout the market season! For more information, click here.

Purple Reign… Prince: The Immersive Experience is an interactive celebration of the iconic artist’s life and legacy at The Shops at North Bridge, 540 N. Michigan Avenue (corner of Michigan Ave. and Ohio St.) As the website says, guests will journey through 10 multidimensional spaces and explore a purple universe where you will step inside the iconic ‘Purple Rain’ album cover, play music producer and mix one of Prince’s greatest hits in Studio A, and get down to an audiovisual dance party. ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ and ‘Party Like It’s 1999!’ Tickets are available by clicking here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago