Summer Solstice, the official start of summer in the Northern hemisphere, is June 21st and marks the start of my favorite season in Chicago as well as the beginning of a very busy cultural agenda. There are so many activities going that it could get overwhelming! I will try to feed you bits of it at each post so you can keep up with them. These are my picks for June 21st.
Thai Fest (June 19-21). Discover a glimpse of Thailand right in the heart of Chicago. Once a year, you can indulge yourself with mouth-watering hot and spicy authentic Thai food, Thai traditional dance and classical music, exciting Muay Thai, pampering Thai traditional massage, soothing oriental fragrance of Thai orchid, refreshing Thai coconut juice and a blow-away-your mind Thai fashion show.
11am-6pm Free admission.
Federal Plaza Square, 219 S. Dearborn, (Adams St. and Dearborn St.) Chicago. Click here for the festival’s schedule.
Make Music Chicago (June 21st): This is a live, free musical celebration across the city that takes place each June 21st, like its international French counterpart Fête de la Musique (also known as World Music Day) that happens around the world. Throughout the day, people of all ages and from all backgrounds – beginners, amateurs, professionals, and marquee artists – gather in Chicago’s public spaces to make music of all genres. Click here for this year’s schedule.
Cello and flamenco with Ian Maskin, las Guitarras de España and Wendy Clinard(June 21st): Flamenco dancer Wendy Clinard and Russian-born/Chicago-based cellist Ian Maksin will join Las Guitarras de Espana for an evening of flamenco, world music, Spanish folk and classical music at City Winery. Click here for more information.
Iris devoilée (June 21st): Eastern and Western musical traditions entwine in the Chicago premiere of the sensuous Iris devoilée by Chinese composer Qiqang Chen. This show is part of the Grant Park Music Fest. Click here for more information.
Chicago Urbanite 