Make Music Chicago a free family event this Saturday

This Saturday, June 21, there will be musical celebrations all around Chicago at part of the international music festival Fête de la Musique. Our Chicago celebration, Make Music Chicago, is presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks in celebration of the Summer Solstice.

Sponsored by Rush Hour Concerts, Make Music Chicago celebrates the ability of everyone to participate in music-making. Thousands of Chicagoans will join people in more than 700 cities across the world who will gather in public spaces to perform live music.

And, it’s not just the professionals invited to perform. Amateurs and those with absolutely no musical talent can partake in the fun. More than 60 sites will host music events in all neighborhoods including Avondale, Back of the Yards, Bronzeville, Edgewater, Englewood, Evanston, Gold Coast, Humboldt Park, Hyde Park, Jackson Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, Logan Square, Loop, River North, South Loop, Streeterville, West Loop, Wicker Park and Woodlawn.  Daley Plaza will host “Play the Plaza” with a full day of family-friendly musical activities beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The Grand Finale takes place in the historic St. James Cathedral (65 E. Huron Street at Wabash) in River North, followed by an outdoor party at the St. James Commons.  St. James Cathedral is the home of Rush Hour Concerts, a wonderful free summer concert series. Chicago's only classical music radio station, 98.7WFMT, broadcasts live at the Music Institute in Evanston from 10:00 a.m. until Noon and at the Grand Finale from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  

Metra’s kids ride free weekend fare makes it even more affordable to head into Chicago for Make Music Chicago. With more than 100 Make Music Chicago events on the schedule, there is sure to be a free event no matter where you are in the city this Saturday. To find the full program, visit www.makemusicchicago.com/listings.  Programming is subject to change, so be sure to check the schedule.