Events Calendar

Hot Summer Nights
Music Series

Thursday Evenings,
June 7 through August 30, 2012
6 to 8 p.m.

On Hot Summer Nights, unwind and learn a new move or two! Professional dance instructors will be on hand to provide visitors with easy-to-understand mini-lessons that will correspond with the genre of the evening.

Shimmy up to refreshment tables to purchase light fare and beverages (including beer, wine, and margaritas) reflecting the evening's culture. On concert nights only, you may enjoy a picnic on McGinley Pavilion.

JUN

9

The Country Doctors
Eclectic Country

The Country Doctors founded their practice in 2001. They refer to themselves as an "alt-classic-neo-traditionalist-honkabilly band." Their roots are in the heartfelt repertoire of country musicians who played and sang with a purity of emotion often lacking in the genre today, while at the same time embracing contemporary artists who share a similar approach to country music.

The Docs emphasize vocal harmonies, tight arrangements, and hot instrumental solos. A typical Docs performance will include their original songs as well as the genre-defining sound of such vintage honky-tonkers as Hank Williams and Buck Owens, songs by country outlaws like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, and music from contemporary and/or alternative country artists such as BR549 and The Derailers. Most importantly, they like to have fun with their music and their audience!

Listen to The Country Doctors

JUN

16

Chicago Cajun Aces

Having played together for over 20 years the Chicago Cajun Aces give you a taste of what you would hear in the dance halls of southwest Louisiana on a Saturday night. For their dedication to this music Charlie Terr (accordion) and Will Whedbee (fiddle) have been made Honorary Cajuns by the Cajun French Music Association of Louisiana. The band also features Holly Whedbee (vocals and fiddle), Dan Massey (drums), Gene Losey (bass) and Stewart Gehring (guitar).

On this evening, Hot Summer Nights will be held on the Esplanade (shine) or else in Regenstein Center (rain). Please plan accordingly.

JUN

23

The Boils
Celtic Music and Dance

Mike Austin and The Boils, Old Town School musicians and teachers, play jigs and reels from Ireland. Learn a step or two and join in on the performance! This group comes to you from the Old Town School of Folk Music.

JUN

30

Alma de Tango
Argentine Tango

Alma de Tango boasts an accomplished group of musicians who come to Chicago from various countries. This group of highly skilled musicians infuses sounds from Argentina and Uruguay into a magical night of rhythm.

Listen to Alma de Tango

JUL

7

Lamajamal with Erika Ochoa
Unique Musical Dance Blends

Lamajamal's sound is a unique blend of Balkan, Gypsy, Arabic, and North African dance music. Their exciting live performances feature Middle Eastern vocals, serpentine clarinet melodies, exotic instruments, and infectious dance beats.

Listen to Lamajamal

Erika Ochoa is a contemporary artist of Middle Eastern dance, specializing in Egyptian-style dance. She has been dancing professionally in the Chicagoland area for the past 14 years. Erika teaches weekly at the Old Town School of Folk Music and at her own studio called Pineapple Dance Studio in Forest Park, Illinois.

Visit Erika online at pineappledance.org

On this evening, Hot Summer Nights will be held on the Esplanade (shine) or else in Regenstein Center (rain). Please plan accordingly.

JUL

14

Mambo All-Stars
Latin Dance Rhythms

The Mambo All-Stars is an energetic, dynamic band that plays mambo, cha-cha, and boleros, the classic Latin dance rhythms. The band performs at various public venues such as Summerdance at Grant Park, the Adler Planetarium, the Taste of Chicago, and many corporate events. Authentic Latin "swing con clave" is the trademark of this group. The material is from both classic and modern Latino artists such as Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Sonora Poncena, La India, Cubanisimo, and Perez Prado. José Valdes, leader of the group, has worked with such greats as Jose Fajardo, Tito Puente, and Eddie Palmieri. The artistry is exciting, with driving montuno rhythms and a fiery percussion section that always gets everyone dancing.

Listen to the Mambo All-Stars

On this evening, Hot Summer Nights will be held on the Esplanade (shine) or else in Regenstein Center (rain). Please plan accordingly.

JUL

21

Big City Swing and the Flat Cats
Jazz and Swing Dance

Big City Swing is Chicago’s home for swing and lindy-hop dance lessons. They offer group classes, workshops, and private lessons for all levels. Join Jenna Stworzyjanek and James Pustejovsky as they teach you to swing, hop, and dip!

Listen to Big City Swing

JUL

28

Aloha Lives!
Hawaiian Music and Dance

Aloha Lives! is the newest production by Pacific Soundz. Lanialoha combines the influences of her musical paths and passions to revive the old and new cultural traditions of the Pacific. The voices of Lanialoha and Czerina perform a seamless and memorable concert of melodies, harmonies, and rhythmic sounds that will inspire you. The group comes to you from the Old Town School of Folk Music.

Listen to Aloha Lives!

AUG

4

Pamela Rose and Windy City Country
Contemporary Country

Pamela Rose and Windy City Country bring a fresh and energetic flavor into the live country music scene. The group comprises six “smokin'” musicians and singers, all bringing a variety of local and national acclaim to the stage. Their unique contemporary style re-creates country classics as well as jams the hottest hits topping the charts today. The band’s repertoire is versatile and covers a wide musical spectrum for country music experts and novices alike.

Listen to Pamela Rose and Windy City Country

AUG

11

Creole Stomp
Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco

French Creole fiddler and accordionist Dennis Stroughmatt and his band, Creole Stomp, bring the excitement and joie de vivre of Louisiana Creole, Cajun, and zydeco music to festivals, dance groups, and concert stages across North America.

The sound of Creole Stomp is an ever-evolving gumbo. Traditional Louisiana Cajun two-steps, reels, and waltzes sizzle in the stew along with Creole blues, mazurkas, and zydecos.

Listen to Creole Stomp

AUG

18

Bê-a-bá do Samba
Brazilian Samba

Bê-a-bá do Samba’s musical inspirations are as eclectic as their group’s members, hailing from Brazil, England, and Chicago. Notes of samba, bossa nova, and Latin music will bring out the dancer in everyone.

Listen to Bê-A-Bá Do Samba

AUG

25

Guitarra Azul
Spanish Guitar and Flamenco

Guitarra Azul is world-class musicianship...spirited dance...irresistible rhythms...unforgettable melodies...a sensual, smoldering performance of inspired music and dance!

Guitarra Azul is an exciting blend of rumba, flamenco, Latin jazz, and world sounds, with intoxicating Latin percussion and fiery Spanish guitars. Featuring their own original compositions, they also add the sensual passion only authentic flamenco dancers can bring for a full, stunning evening of entertainment. From Caesar's Palace to the famed La Costa Resort to their hometown of Chicago, Guitarra Azul has audiences yelling for more. There's no way to stay in your seat for Guitarra Azul.

Listen to Guitarra Azul

SEP

1

ORQESTA CON SON
Contemporary Latin

Orquesta Con Son is the newest creation of legendary musical director José Valdes. The orchestra features vocalist Sonia Perez as she sings the repertoire of famous ladies of tropical music like Celia Cruz, Brenda K. Starr, Olga Tañon, and many others. The band performs modern-day Latin music, salsa, merengue, and bachata rhythms. They perform regularly in Chicago at Rumba, Cubby Bear, Green Dolphin, and the Roundhouse.

See Orqesta con Son on YouTube