CIVL and DCASE September, October 2021 events; COVID-19 guidelines

Chicago's independent venues and Millennium Park are joining forces to promote free and ticketed events throughout Chicago as the city closes out summer and heads into fall. See below for a list of highlighted events and important COVID-19 guidelines and protocols. Please contact Ryan Arnold ([email protected]) or Erika Force ([email protected]) for additional information or to coordinate interviews with CIVL and DCASE spokespersons.

Chicago In Tune: running now through Sunday, September 19 (multiple locations):

Chicago In Tune is the first year of a citywide festival celebrating music in the key of Chicago. This month of music will bring together iconic neighborhood venues, encouraging organizations, and extraordinary musicians from across the city to celebrate all music genres and concert venues of all sizes.

DCASE and the Millennium Park Foundation will also present four special evenings at Jay Pritzker Pavilion honoring music created and innovated in Chicago.  All events will be held from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Each evening will highlight a different genre: Gospel (Friday, September 3), Jazz (Saturday, September 4), House (Saturday, September 11), and Blues (Saturday, September 18).

Chicago Presents: running now through Sunday, October 31 (multiple locations):

Presented with Arts 77, Chicago Presents focuses on bringing music to the neighborhoods. DCASE grants will support several events at CIVL member venues, including “Feeling Groovy” with local record labels hosted by Hideout and a block party hosted by Empty Bottle. More to be announced.

Neal Francis & Sooper Records: Thursday, September 9 (Jay Pritzker Pavilion):  

The second of the Millennium Park shows presented by CIVL and DCASE will feature Neal Francis & Sooper Records. Gates open at 5pm with music starting at 6pm.

Blues Community Concerts: Sunday, August 29 – Sunday, September 19 (multiple locations):

The Chicago Blues Club City Tour will start Wednesday, September 1 and run through Monday, September 6. CIVL and DCASE will partner to present and promote a FREE blues club tour with 20 shows at 11 independent venues spread out across the city. 

These events are taking the place of this year’s Chicago Blues Fest. CIVL member venues proudly promote Chicago’s blues heritage and returning the blues to its rightful stage: small clubs across Chicago. COVID-19 protocols will be implemented, per CDC guidelines. 

Effective as of Friday, August 20 masks are required in all indoor public settings for everyone 2 years of age and older, regardless of vaccination status.

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