{"id":8931,"date":"2016-06-06T10:44:52","date_gmt":"2016-06-06T15:44:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/?p=8931"},"modified":"2016-06-06T11:30:06","modified_gmt":"2016-06-06T16:30:06","slug":"millennium-park-summer-music-series","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/?p=8931","title":{"rendered":"Millennium Park Summer Music Series Kicks Off Today"},"content":{"rendered":"

The\u00a0Millennium Park Summer Music Series\u00a0will offer an exciting line-up of 18 FREE<\/strong> outdoor concerts on\u00a0Mondays and Thursdays, June 6 \u2013 August 25, 2016\u00a0(except where noted) at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion <\/strong>in Millennium Park<\/strong>. The Summer Music Series (formerly \u2018Downtown Sound\u2019 and \u2018Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz\u2019) has been reimagined to feature a wider variety of genre-defying music from top local, national and international artists \u2013 both established and emerging. Highlights of the season include the indie-rock band Blonde Redhead (series kickoff); legendary salsa and Latin jazz artist Eddie Palmieri; Swedish indie-folk singer Jose Gonzalez; the king of Juju music, King Sunny Ade; Chicago improvised jazz legend Phil Cohran; and the critically acclaimed blues ensemble Heritage Blues Quintet. For details, visit\u00a0millenniumpark.org<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

OPENING DAY:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Blonde Redhead + Ryley Walker<\/p>\n

\"Blonde<\/a><\/h3>\n

WHEN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Monday, June 6 at 6:30pm<\/p>\n

WHERE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion<\/p>\n

201 E. Randolph St.<\/p>\n

Blonde Redhead<\/strong>\u00a0is an indie rock band composed of Kazu Makino and twin brothers Simone and Amedeo Pace. Formed in New York City in 1993, the band is known for innovating their sound for every album and blending rock, dream pop and electronica.\u00a0Ryley Walker<\/strong>\u00a0is an accomplished fingerstyle guitarist, singer, and songwriter from Chicago best known for his Primrose Green album released in 2015, which blurs the genre lines between folk, rock, jazz, and new music.<\/p>\n

Hours:<\/strong>
\nConcerts begin at 6:30 pm<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Other Performances Lined Up For 2016:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thursday, June 9, 6:30pm<\/h3>\n

\"Lee<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n

Lee Fields & The Expressions + Makaya McCraven<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

With a catalogue that ranges from James Brown-style funk to lo-fi blues and contemporary Southern soul,\u00a0Lee Fields<\/strong>\u00a0has had a successful career spanning more than 43 years. Since the late sixties, the North Carolina native has amassed a prolific catalog of albums and has toured and played with such legends as Kool and the Gang, Sammy Gordon and the Hip-Huggers, and many others. Paris born\u00a0Makaya McCraven<\/strong>\u00a0pushes the boundaries of sound and rhythm to create categories of his own. He layers his extensive experience with hip-hop bands, African dance bands, Hungarian folk music, and indie rock on top of a deep history of \u201cstraight-ahead\u201d jazz, improvisation and Avant-garde beats.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monday, June 13, 6:30pm<\/h3>\n

\"Rodrigo<\/a><\/h3>\n

Rodrigo Amarante + Leyla MaCalla<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

One of the masterminds behind the Brazilian band Los Hermanos and founding member of the samba super group Orquestra Imperial, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist\u00a0Rodrigo Amarante<\/strong>\u00a0is an inescapable musical figure in his native South American home. In 2015 he wrote the popular song “Tuyo”\uff08Yours), which serves as the opening theme for the Netflix series “Narcos.\u201d\u00a0Leyla McCalla<\/strong>\u00a0is a New York-born Haitian-American living in New Orleans, who sings in four languages and plays cello, tenor banjo and guitar. Deeply influenced by traditional Creole, Cajun and Haitian music, as well as by American jazz and folk, her music is at once earthy, elegant, soulful and witty.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, June 16, 6:30pm<\/h3>\n

TBA\u00a0+ Gina Chavez<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gina Chavez<\/strong>\u00a0is a bilingual Latin-folk singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas who expertly blends the sounds of the Americas with tension and grace. Her most recent album\u00a0Up.Rooted<\/em>\u00a0has won critical acclaim from\u00a0NPR, USA Today<\/em>\u00a0and more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monday, June 20, 6:30pm<\/h3>\n

\"DJ<\/a><\/h3>\n

DJ Spooky\u2019s Rebirth of a Nation + Kelan Phil Cohran’s Summer Solstice Ensemble<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Washington, D.C.-born Paul D. Miller aka\u00a0DJ Spooky<\/strong>\u00a0is a composer, multimedia artist and writer whose work immerses audiences in a blend of genres, global culture, and environmental and social issues.\u00a0Rebirth of a Nation<\/em>\u00a0was his first large-scale multimedia performance piece, which has been performed more than 50 times in venues around the world, from the Sydney Festival to the Herod Atticus Amphitheater in Athens, Greece.\u00a0Kelan Phil Cohran<\/strong>\u00a0is a Chicago improvised jazz legend known for his contributions in the Sun Ra Arkestra in Chicago and for his involvement in the foundation of the AACM.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, June 23, 6:30pm<\/h3>\n

\"Maceo<\/a><\/h3>\n

Maceo Parker + Marrow<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Born in North Carolina, saxophonist\u00a0Maceo Parker<\/strong>\u00a0embodies the legacy of soul and funk music and is best known for his collaborations alongside seminal icons like James Brown, George Clinton, and Prince, all the while honing his own signature brand of showmanship.\u00a0Marrow<\/strong>\u00a0is an American indie rock band from Chicago consisting of three former members of Kids These Days, plus one additional member.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monday, June 27, 6:30pm<\/h3>\n

\"Eddie<\/a><\/p>\n

Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra + Ecos del Pacifico<\/strong><\/p>\n

Eddie Palmieri<\/strong>\u00a0is one of the foremost Latin jazz pianists in the world and has had a musical career that spans over 50 years. Born in the Spanish Harlem of New York City, Palmieiri has won nine Grammy awards throughout his career as a bandleader of several critically acclaimed Salsa and Latin jazz orchestras.\u00a0Ecos del Pacifico<\/strong>\u00a0is a Chicago-based group formed in 2006 by Julio Cesar Monta\u00f1o Montenegro and is steeped in the Afro-Colombian music and dance traditions of the pacific coast of Colombia.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, June 30, 6:30pm<\/h3>\n

Givers + Lower Dens<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Givers\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Givers<\/strong>\u00a0are an indie pop group from Lafayette, Louisiana whose diverse sound stems from the improvisational and dance-fueled atmosphere of their hometown\u2019s zydeco, cajun and jazz cultures mixed with an affection for new wave, funk and world music.\u00a0Baltimore, Maryland-based\u00a0Lower Dens<\/strong>\u00a0are an American indie pop band. Pitchfork says the group \u201csiphons its aesthetic from the storied pop of the \u201880s, but it\u2019s not content to stop at homage. Lower Dens use the past\u2014its clich\u00e9s and its innocence\u2014as a lens through which to imagine a queer and open future.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monday, July 4 and Thursday, July 7<\/h3>\n

No Shows \u2013 Week of\u00a0Taste of Chicago<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Femi<\/a><\/p>\n

Monday, July 11, 6:30pm<\/h3>\n

Femi Kuti + The Positive Force + ProbCause
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Femi Kuti<\/strong>\u00a0is a Grammy-nominated, high energy Afrobeat artist born in London and raised in Nigeria. Kuti is the eldest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti and grandchild of Nigerian aristocrat, political and women’s rights activist Funmilayo Ransome Kuti. Working out of Chicago with the likes of Chance the Rapper, Action Bronson, Twista, Vic Mensa and others,\u00a0ProbCause<\/strong>\u00a0seamlessly jumps from electronic to funk to R&B, then back to classic boom-bap gritty rap.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, July 14, 6:30pm<\/h3>\n

\"Azymuth\"<\/a><\/h3>\n

Azymuth + Sidewalk Chalk<\/strong><\/p>\n

Brazilian electrified trio\u00a0Azymuth<\/strong>\u00a0combines a high voltage blend of Brazilian rhythms, jazz, and funk with occasional acoustic episodes.\u00a0Sidewalk Chalk<\/strong>\u00a0is an eight-member Chicago-based band that is leading the contemporary evolution of hip-hop, soul, and jazz. The group\u2019s unique arrangement allows them to incorporate numerous styles seamlessly: an MC and female vocalist; a trio of keys, bass, and drums; a horn section with trombone and trumpet; and a tap-dancer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monday, July 18, 6:30pm<\/h3>\n

\"King<\/a><\/h3>\n

King Sunny Ade + Ugochi & A.S.E.
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

King Sunny Ade<\/strong>\u00a0is the undisputed king of juju music, the dance-inspiring hybrid of western pop and traditional African music with roots in the guitar tradition of Nigeria. Ade launched his own record label in 1974 and has released more than 100 of his own recordings in Nigeria. Born in Chicago to Nigerian parents,\u00a0Ugochi<\/strong>\u00a0is an Afro-soul singer, songwriter and poet who is known for her extremely versatile and creative music and performances. She will appear with\u00a0The Afro Soul Ensemble (A.S.E.)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Heritage<\/a><\/h3>\n

Thursday, July 21, 6:30pm<\/h3>\n

Heritage Blues Orchestra + Toshi Reagon<\/strong><\/p>\n

Known for their\u00a0traditional blues material with a good dose of both jazz and gospel sensibilities, New York City-based\u00a0Heritage Blues Orchestra\u00a0has found a way to make traditional material sound fresh and new.\u00a0Toshi Reagon<\/strong>\u00a0is a versatile singer-songwriter-guitarist from Atlanta with a unique hold-nothing-back approach to rock, blues, R&B, country, folk, spirituals and funk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monday, July 25 6:30pm<\/h3>\n

\"The<\/a><\/h3>\n

The Jones Family Singers + Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Jones Family Singers<\/strong>\u00a0are a Texas-based gospel powerhouse consisting of five sisters, two brothers and their father who infuse joyful and reverent songs with vintage soul, funk and R&B. Under the direction of Brother Ray Nuckolls and Dr. Willetta Greene-Johnson, Chicago\u2019s\u00a0Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir<\/strong>\u00a0includes more than 300 voices.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, July 28, 6:30pm<\/h3>\n

No Show \u2013 Lollapalooza Weekend<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Jose<\/a><\/p>\n

Monday, August 1, 6:30pm<\/h3>\n

Jose Gonzalez + Tall Heights<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jose Gonzalez<\/strong>\u00a0is Swedish indie folk singer-songwriter renowned for his mix of autumnal indie pop and intimate acoustics. Formed in Boston in 2010,\u00a0Tall Heights<\/strong>\u00a0are known for their captivating vocal harmonies driven by a folk-inspired accompaniment of cello and acoustic guitar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, August 4, 6:30pm<\/h3>\n

\"Sinkane\"<\/a><\/h3>\n

Sinkane + Mark de Clive-Lowe<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sinkane<\/strong>\u00a0is solo recording artist who sings and plays numerous instruments blending krautrock, free jazz and funk rock with Sudanense pop. Although born in London, Sinkane spent his early childhood in Sudan followed by Ohio after his family fled to the United States.\u00a0Mark de Clive-Lowe<\/strong>\u00a0is a musician, composer and producer originally from New Zealand, and now based in Los Angeles, after living for ten years in London. He is a veteran of the UK’s broken beat movement, blending jazz, electronic dance music, funk and percussion heavy world music into a unique sound.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mondays, August 8, 15 and 22<\/h3>\n

No Shows<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, August 11, 6:30pm<\/h3>\n

\"Mbongwana<\/a><\/h3>\n

Mbongwana Star + Dos Santos Antibeat Orchestra<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mbongwana Star<\/strong>\u00a0is a psychedelic African dance band from Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Chicago-based\u00a0Dos Santos: Anti-Beat Orchestra<\/strong>\u00a0rocks the sounds of popular pan-Latin American dance genres\u2014from cumbia to salsa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, August 18, 6:30pm<\/h3>\n

\"Elephant<\/a><\/h3>\n

Elephant Revival + Mandolin Orange<\/strong><\/p>\n

Elephant Revival<\/strong>\u00a0are a quintet from Colorado whose sound encompasses elements of gypsy, rock, Celtic, alt-country and folk.\u00a0Mandolin Orange<\/strong>\u00a0is an Americana folk duo from Chapel Hill, North Carolina whose music has received critical acclaim from NPR,\u00a0American Songwriter<\/em>\u00a0others.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, August 25, 6:30pm<\/h3>\n

\"Tortoise<\/a><\/h3>\n

Tortoise + Homme<\/strong><\/p>\n

Throughout its 25-year history, Chicago-based post-rock instrumental quintet\u00a0Tortoise<\/strong>\u00a0has nodded to dub, rock, jazz, electronica and minimalism throughout its revered and influential, six-album discography, but the group\u2019s resulting sound continues to defy easy categorization.\u00a0HOMME<\/strong>\u00a0is an experiment in voice and sound by Sima Cunningham and Macie Stewart who joined forces in 2014, inspired by the free improvisational music scene in Chicago, and influenced by folk and avant-garde rock.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The\u00a0Millennium Park Summer Music Series\u00a0will offer an exciting line-up of 18 FREE outdoor concerts on\u00a0Mondays and Thursdays, June 6 \u2013 August 25, 2016\u00a0(except where noted) at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":8937,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[39,41,20,42],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8931","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-music-news","category-features","category-reviews","category-this-just-in"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8931","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8931"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8931\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8937"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8931"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8931"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}