World Music Central: Chicago events

Comprehensive list of ALL Chicago Summer Festivals

Thursday, April 17 to July 20, 2008
Chicago Cultural Center, G.A.R. Rotunda
2nd Floor, 78 East Washington Street
Chicago, Illinois
(Enter at 77 East Randolph Street)

The World Music Series is in its second year and is part of the Wednesday Night Concert Series. It will run through August 13, 2008. This unique series is a free community series that explore the rich diversity that exists in the Chicago community. This series will present
music, dance and culture of Africa, Europe, Asia, The Middle East and The Americas.

When: Every Wednesday from May 28th to August 13th 8:30 to 10:30 PM (except August 13th runs 9:30-11:30 PM)
Where: Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
Contact: Call (773) 728-6000 or visit oldtownschool.org
Admission: FREE (suggested donation of $5)

Wednesday, July 23, 2008, 8:30pm - 10:30pm
David Gweshe (Zimbabwe)
David Tafaneyi Gweshe is a leading figure in Zimbabwean Shona music and culture and an untiring ambassador for African culture. He is a master of African dance, the founder, director and choreographer of the internationally recognized Boterekwa Dance Troupe and a multi-instrumentalist, inventor of a 52 key multi-octave Mbira (thumb piano). He has been invited back to Chicago by the Garfield Park Conservatory with his 5-piece group of musicians/dancers to share Zimbabwean culture with the Chicago public. Artist link

Wednesday, July 30, 2008, 8:30pm - 10:30pm
Yang Ying (China)
Yang Ying is a multi-talented musician that has tested the musical boundaries of several musical genres with astounding success. A master of the Erhu, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument, she traveled the world for 18 years as the featured solo instrumentalist with the former Central Song & Dance Ensemble, the premiere traditional music and dance troupe in China. Then she dramatically changed courses to become the founder, bass, player, and singer for Cobra, China's first all female rock band gaining international success. Arriving in the U.S. in the late 90's, she began
fusing Chinese styles with Western classical, jazz, funk, rock and Nashville influences producing groundbreaking CDs. Ying's improvisational skills and commanding stage presence make her live performances truly unforgettable. Yang Ying with her band is an obvious "must see". Artist link:
www.yangying-music.com

Wednesday, August 6, 2008, 8:30pm - 10:30pm
Mamadou Diabate (Mali)
Grammy-nominated musician, Mamadou Diabate comes from a long line of Malian griots, or Jelis, as they are known among the Manding. His father, N'fa Diabate and his cousin, Toumani Diabate, inspired and tutored Mamadou as he mastered the Kora, the 21-string harp of the Jeli. After great success performing and touring internationally, Mamadou decided to call the U.S. home where he has collaborated and recorded with an astonishing array of popular musical figures. In the tradition of his cousin Toumani, he produced a solo Kora recording in 2005 that resulted in a Grammy nomination. It is with a solo performance that we will enjoy one of Mali's most renowned musicians. Artist Link: www.mamadoukora.com

Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 9:30pm - 11:30pm
Parampara: Tradition (India)
The Old Town School of Folk Music in partnership with the Kalapriya Foundation, present a musical event as part of the ongoing Kalapriya series "Parampara" (Tradition). This series explores the master/practitioner relationship and how the process enlivens the art form as it is passed along to
the next generation. In this segment, Sitar musician Sharmistha Sen, one of the few women instrumentalists to attain prominence in Indian Classical music, performs with one of her most highly accomplished students Rahul Neuman of Chicago. The Old Town School's tabla master, Maninder Singh, will accompany them. Artist link: www.kalapriya.org

Chicago's Unique Public Plaza Comes to Life on a Global Scale with Millennium Park's Music Without Borders Summer Series

In the heart of Chicago lies an oasis. This is no desert oasis-it won't disappear before your eyes, there's no sandy grit, and it has as much replenishment for a thirsty mind as it does for a thirsty body. It's Millennium Park , a space created in the busy downtown hub that was designed with Chicago in mind. Until its completion in 2004, there was no recognizable public space in Chicago comparable to the great plazas and squares of European or Mexican urban areas that bring people together and capture a city's unique personality.

Millennium Park's "Music Without Borders" series includes six concerts in total. All events are free and open to the public. Here is the full schedule:

Thursday, July 17:
Pitchfork Music Festival Preview Night.
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, FREE - Jay Pritzker Pavilion
~ A Music Without Borders/Pitchfork Festival co-presentation featuring an evening filled with an eclectic sampling of music from around the globe

Wednesday, Aug. 27:
Bajofondo Tango Club, with Fernando Otero. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, FREE - Jay Pritzker Pavilion
~ An electronic tango project lead by Gustavo Santaolalla, showcasing the past, present, and future of Argentine tango

DJAMILEH

10th Annual Chicago Cultural Center Summer Opera The Midwest premiere of a one-act fairy tale from the composer of Carmen

Tuesday, August 5, 7:30 pm
Thursday, August 7, 7:30 pm

Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Street
Free admission

A little-known gem, this delightful opera follows the devoted, beautiful Djamileh in her quest to win over the blasé young nobleman Haroun. The sparkling mosaics of Preston Bradley Hall and its newly restored Tiffany stained glass dome serve as the backdrop to this tale of love in an Egyptian palace. An opening performance of music for oud and percussion explores the sounds of the Turkish noblemans court, setting the scene for an evocative evening.

The opera is directed by Patrizia Acerra and features Katherine Pracht (mezzo-soprano), Cornelius Johnson (tenor), and Bill McMurray (baritone), with members of the New Millennium Orchestra of Chicago under the direction of Maestro Francesco Milioto. The Summer Opera Chorus, which is comprised of some of Chicago's brightest young students, is directed by Dr. Dana Brown. The set and costumes will be created by designers Carol Blanchard and Kurt Sharp. The opera is performed in English.

Admission is free but tickets are required. Tickets (limit four per person) must be obtained in person at the Storefront Theater Box Office, 66 E. Randolph Street. Hours are noon 6 pm, Tuesday Saturday. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door on a first come, first served basis. For more information, call 312.742.TIXS.