Categories: Entertainment and Attractions
Taste of Chicago: Music
Author: Danny McCullough and Molly Ryan
The vaunted Taste of Chicago only comes around once a year, and if the chance to sample a range of chow from gourmet French cuisine to grandma's comfort food isn't enought to whet your appetite, the free concerts featuring musical powerhouses to an entire stage devoted to kids alike should be enough to coax you out of your kitchen and down to Grant Park for a day.
Headlining Stars
The Taste of Chicago has a performance for everyone and the headlining acts are hosted in the Petrillo Music Shell with classic artists sharing the stage with current sensations. The festivities waste no time in getting started: Opening night, legendary Funk and R&B soul singer Chaka Khan plays with Angie Stone. Considering Chaka's 30-year career, ten Grammies, three platinum albums, and a calendar day in Chicago to honor her (October 19th, if you were curious), you're bound to hear a song you love. The next night features one of the greatest modern singer-songwriters alive today, Stevie Wonder, whose countless hits, including "Superstition" and "Ebony and Ivory," have earned him almost 20 Grammies and a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Following these two icons can't be easy, but pop-punk phenom Plain White T's will be performing Sunday, accompanied by acoustic mellow-rocker Josh Kelley to round up the weekend.
The weekdays are no less exciting, though, running the entire spectrum of genres. Highlight include perfromances by the casts of musicals Wicked and Jersey Boys; British singers Joss Stone and Estelle; "American Idol" winner Fantasia; blues guitarist Bonny Raitt; teen pop celebrities Aly & AJ; and fireworks displays on the 3rd and 4th of July.
Lesser-Known Jams
The Petrillo Music Shell isn't the only venue, though. For lesser-known musical gems between the heavy-hitters, try the aptly named "Taste Stage," which opens with a Cirque de Soliel mini-performance and is jammed with at least five sets a day featuring funkier beats, like steele drum troupes, big band ensembles, A Capella choirs and gospel groups.
International Flair
A year after its debut, the "International Pavilion" is returning at the 28th annual Taste of Chicago. Music from Africa to Sweden to Brazil and Greece will be performed at this cross-cultural extravaganza. Along with the variety of sounds from around the world, visitors will be able to indulge in the sights, smells, and feels from countries with a spread of exotic restaurants, an international crafts area and a marketplace with remarkable souvenirs.
The stage at the "International Pavilion" opens with West African highlife music by Ghanatta. Highlife music has an upbeat sound usually played by horns and guitars that has been compared to jazz. The foreign experience continues with a taiko performance by Jasc Tsukasa Taiko, which is a form of Japanese drumming. Taiko drums are distinguishable by the high tension on the drum head giving the large drum a high-pitched sound. The sight of a group of taiko drummers is often seen as a striking art piece. Later in the week, a highlight on the stage will be Jazz Mata, a group that mixes jazz beats with ragas (Indian classical music). This unique music has a powerful folk base that succeeds in attracting listeners with its riveting melody. The stage usually has four performances per day so whatever type of world music you are looking for, whether it be rumba, Brazilian jazz, or Scandinavian waltzes, the International Pavilion is sure to please the most diverse of crowds!
Fun Time Stage
The Taste of Chicago is not just for adults! Take your kids to the exciting and festive "Fun Time Stage" for nothing less than a fun time. This stage is geared toward providing children with entertaining music and dance from across the universe. Some main attractions include JeanieB! and the Jelly Beans (a children's music award-winner for children 3-8), the Happiness Club (music by kids from Chicago), and the Wiggles (from the popular television series). Other enjoyable and interactive events on the stage consist of a deejay lesson from Columbia College's Charles Matlock, an assortment of sing-alongs, a hip-hop dance workshop, and a karaoke party. Every day at the Taste, the music and activities start at 11:30 a.m. and continue past 6 p.m., giving time for the whole family to take a break and watch the fun on stage!
Whether you're in the mood for soul, country, big-name, small-time, family-fun or just want to see fireworks for free, The Taste of Chicago has an exhibition for you.
For the full schedule of events at the 2008 Taste of Chicago click here.
Visit our general guidepage for more information about the Taste of Chicago.
Visit our food guidepage for information about all of the delicious eats featured at the 2008 Taste.
