Gearing up for the Taste of Chicago

The annual Taste of Chicago doesn’t start until July 6, but they’ve been gearing up for the event for several days now. The Taste runs July 6 – July 10 in Grant Park. Admission is free.

For more information on the event, including how to purchase concert and Chef Du Jour tickets, click here.

South Loop Farmers Market returns tomorrow

The South Loop Farmers Market located at 1936 S. Michigan Ave. (parking lot of Second Presbyterian Church) returns May 16, 2016. The market will be open every Thursday from 4 – 8 p.m. through October.

The market will feature a selection of 25-40 vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, flowers, baked goods, meats, and some prepared foods. The market will also include weekly children’s activities and a monthly cultural performance program (education, literary, and music) in the sanctuary of Second Presbyterian Church.

Playful Talk Show with Yana Reznik at PianoForte Studios A New Kind of Classical Music Show!

Yana Reznik

PianoForte Foundation is proud to present “Playful Talk with Yana Reznik”, a new production that invites audiences to engage with renowned stars of the classical music world in an entertaining and personal exchange of words and music. For the first time, both live and internet audiences come to know the personalities of the men and women behind the instruments. Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera Orchestra, Ars Viva Orchestra and international soloists join pianist and host Yana Reznik in music making, either prepared classical masterpieces or spontaneous improvisations.

Yana and her guests connect the classical stage with a diverse, cross-generational population that lives on the social media platforms of our interconnected world. The experience continues as “Playful Talk” live studio attendees get an exclusive opportunity to dine with Yana and her guest artists immediately following each broadcast.

The show is inspired by the passion of breaking down the boundaries and stigma of classical music. “Playful Talk” reaches out to the audiences through personal communication and accessibility along with the high level of performance.

“Playful Talk with Yana Reznik” is supported by Chicago’s prestigious PianoForte Foundation.

Here are the details: 

-“Playful Talk” is produced by the acclaimed and innovative pianist Yana Reznik and welcomes live audiences at PianoForte Studios at 1335 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60605.

-Each show is broadcast live via www.yanareznik.com

-Each broadcast is available for viewing at anytime after the show via www.yanareznik.com

-Audience members are encouraged to ask questions via Twitter (@playfultalk), which will be answered selectively during the show.

-The dining with the artists is held at Chicago’s Kurah Mediterranean Restaurant – the city’s cozy, highly regarded culinary niche at 1355 S. Michigan Ave. (VIP tickets required)

About Yana Reznik

Pianist, speaker, producer, host, entrepreneur, and cultural leader, Yana Reznik has been revolutionizing the way classical music affects our society. Her passionate performances and captivating storytelling had won the hearts of thousands on her 2010-2014 tour across the United States. Becoming known as the “Pianist with a Voice,” Yana breaks the boundaries of the expected and creates innovative programs to bring the beauty of classical music to a wider and more diverse audience around the world.

Yana’s passion for inspiring a new generation to love classical music has led her to be a guest speaker for the TEDx Skid Row, “Idea Project of LA”, Southern California Music Institute and Idyllwild Arts Academy.

As a humanitarian, Yana Reznik created the 'Artistic Voyage' concert series of 2011, a visionary gathering of musicians and artists to benefit worthwhile charity organizations around the world. Another one of Yana’s celebrated achievements had been her work as Artistic Director, pianist and host for 'Live at the Lounge' (Los Angeles) – a weekly concert series throughout 2010 that featured over 130 world class performers who collaborated with Ms. Reznik in an up-close and personal setting.

Since moving to Chicago in 2014, Yana has performed at the Myra Hess Concerts Series and PianoForte Foundation. Both concerts were broadcasted live at WFMT 98.7 Radio.

Upcoming Shows and Broadcasts:

Tuesday, April 21, 2015 @ 7pm CST Cory Tiffin, clarinet (Las Vegas Philharmonic) Chris Wild, cello (Ensemble Dal Niente)

Tuesday, May 5, 2015 @ 7pm CST Members of New Millennium Orchestra Francesco Millioto, conductor Dominic Johnson, viola, violin, DJ

Sunday, May 31, 2015 @ 6 pm CST Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra David Taylor, violin Weijing Wang, viola Richard Hirschl, cello

Live Performance Location: 

PianoForte Studios 1335 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago IL 60605

Broadcast streaming: 

www.YanaReznik.com

Tickets and Info: 

www.yanareznik.com

www.pianofortefoundation.org

Twitter: @playfultalk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Playful-Talk/1624050907822782

Contact: 

Yana Reznik Yanareznikmusic@gmail.com

312.569.9157

Below is Yana meets the artists from February 17, 2015 performance.

Music For Food Concert On April 12 To Benefit South Loop Food Pantry

CHICAGO – On Sunday, April 12 at 5:00pm, a group of acclaimed young musicians from the Chicago area will present a concert at the PianoForte Foundation, 1335 S. Michigan Ave. in Chicago to benefit the South Loop Community Church Food Pantry.

The Chicago musicians are presenting the concert under the auspices of Music for Food, a musician-led initiative for hunger relief. Mira Luxion, the organizer and one of the participating artists, comments: “I am thrilled to be presenting this Music for Food concert, hopefully the first of a lasting series in Chicago. From the moment I first heard of Music for Food, I was moved by its mission. As musicians, we are given the capacity to touch people in tangible as well as intangible ways. The performers are dear friends and colleagues and it is truly inspiring to be working with them towards this mission.”

The program offers works by Austrian composers Mozart, Schubert, and the lesser-known Carl
Frühling:

PROGRAM
Mozart: Duo for Violin and Viola in G Major, K.423
Lauren Lai, violin
Kim Uwate, viola

Mozart: Andante from Sonata No. 9 in D Major, K.311
Eugenia Jeong, piano

Schubert: Selection of Lieder
Anne Slovin, soprano
Eugenia Jeong, piano

(Intermission)

Carl Frühling: Clarinet Trio in A Minor, Op. 40
Steven Gooden, clarinet
Mira Luxion, cello
Andy Costello, piano

TICKETS AND QUESTIONS
Those attending are asked to bring a monetary donation (cash or check made out to Music for
Food) or non-perishable food items. Questions about the concert may be directed to Mira Luxion:
miracello@gmail.com, or 312-513-6422.

Daystar Center Benefit Concert March 7: Two Local Bands, One Great Cause!

On Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 6pm, the Daystar Center invites you to join in a night of inspiring music while supporting their community-building efforts. 

 

There are so many reasons to attend:

·       Enjoy awesome music from both bands in two sets.

·       Relish a bonus collaboration set where the bands join together for an improvisational jam session.

·       Be one of the first to hear about and see the future of Daystar Center! They will be making a big announcement and releasing a new website during the concert. 

·       General admission is only $15 and includes complimentary appetizers and BYOB. If you’d like, bring wine or beer to enjoy during the show. For an even better deal, advance tickets are 2 for $20 online only.

·       The concert is conveniently held at 1550 S. State Street in the Auditorium space located through Overflow Coffee Bar. Overflow will be open during the concert if you’d like to purchase a beverage or food.

 

Renegade Lightning Rebellion has been bringing their indie chamber-rock sound to Chicago and surrounding areas since summer 2011. This six-piece outfit performs an eclectic batch of songs that reflect such diverse influences as contemporary Indie music (Of Montreal and Dirty Projectors), classic jazz (Miles Davis and Charles Mingus) and classical chamber music. RLR has captivated audiences throughout Chicago with their deft handling of sudden shifts in energy and instrumentation – the band, almost all multi-instrumentalists, swap freely between such unique instruments as upright bass, oboe, trumpet, violin and accordion.

 

The Under Lines Quartet is a jazz group based out of Chicago, Illinois.The group is made up of guitarist Alex Ispa-Cowan, saxophonist Con Campbell, drummer Josh Calef, and bassist Jake Hawrylak. The group performs a mix of original compositions and their own take on jazz standards.

 

The Daystar Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting arts and culture. The Center’s events gather culture-lovers together and connect audiences with local artists. The Center hosted its first concert in 2012 and currently hosts theatre, musical, and film events multiple times per month. Event details can be found at http://www.daystarcenter.org/events.html.  

 

Please call (312) 674-0001 for questions and to purchase tickets over the phone.    

Family Concert at PianoForte Studio: Milk, Cookies & Jazz!

PianoForte Studio, 1335 S. Michigan Ave., 2nd floor, will host a family concert on January 26, 2014 at 3 p.m. Cost for this event is $5 per person.

This entertaining program focuses on jazz and its origins, using different interpretations of a popular children’s song! Local pianist Brad Macdonald cleverly demystifies jazz using a familiar context.

A milk and cookies reception will follow the concert.

Grand Opening Today for PianoForte

PianoForte Studios will celebrate its grand opening at 1355 S. Michigan Ave. with a free day of music throughout the space on Saturday, October 26 from 2-10 p.m. Information about the grand opening, concert programming at PianoForte Studios, and the Pianoforte Foundation is available at their Web Site.

Open house from 2 -10 p.m.

Overflow Coffee Bar extends Saturday hours

Starting August 24, 2013, Overflow Coffee Bar at 1550 S. State St. will be open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In a recent e-mail, Overflow said “We’re extending our Saturday evening hours to coincide with awesome events in our building for you to check out. . . You can come in to study, work, socialize, have a coffee date, and for some great events happening in the Auditorium connected to our space.” For information on some of what they have on the schedule, click here.

Currently, Overflow’s Saturday hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Here Comes the 2013 Bash on Wabash

Celebrating its 10th year, the Greater South Loop Association will be presenting its annual Bash on Wabash street festival on Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25; 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. The Bash on Wabash is located between 14th St. and 14th Pl.

For all ages
This year’s Bash features attractions for all ages, including a wide variety of musical acts, activities, food trucks, a kids stage as well as the participation of over 30 vendors. Admission is a $5 suggested donation. There is a $2 fee for the kids stage. A portion of the Bash proceeds will be donated to the South Loop Community Church Food Pantry.

Games and attractions
Games and attractions include free sumo wrestling, mechanical bull riding, psychic and tarot card readings, a dunk tank, animal costume contest, and aerobic, strength, yoga and dance classes. The kids stage is open 12:00 p.m. – 7 p.m. and includes face painting, hula hoop lessons, drum circle, bounce house, live music, balloon artist, arts & crafts, circus lessons and more!

New faces, new energy
This Years’s Bash On Wabash committee has plenty of new faces including T.J. Sagen, chairman of the event. Sagen has extensive experience in music management. He currently represents the Grammy-nominated rock band Disturbed, an act that has sold over 14 million albums worldwide. Other artists he represents include, Sevendust, Art Of Dying, W.E.R.M., The Lifeline, The Scissors and singer/songwriter Jess Godwin. He has also been a part of some of the world’s largest music festivals, including Europe’s Rock AM Ring and Download Festival.

Sagen has assembled a group of volunteers with experience in event and project management, writers, financial professionals, and musicians to ensure that this year’s event is a success.

All concerts sponsored by Reggies Chicago and Budweiser.

For more information, including the entertainment schedule, Bash on Wabash Web site.

Earth Day Family Festival at Sod Room

The Sod Room, 1454 S. Michigan Ave., 2nd Floor, is holding a Earth Day Family Festival on April 21, 2013 form 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Billed as a “morning of live music and movement,” the day will also feature snacks, storytime and eco-goodie bags and crafts sponsored by Plan Toys. The cost is $20 per child, $35 for two, and $50 for three children. Tickets are limited and those interested are encouraged to register in person or online at their Web site.

Sherwood Open House January 12, 2013

Sherwood Community Music School, 1312 S. Michigan Ave. is having an open house, Saturday January 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free event is suitable for the entire family.

• Participate in free sample classes for children, teens and adults throughout the day
• Free Child ID sponsored by New York Life
• Fun games and activities for children and adults 
• Face painting by Party Picassos
• Musical Instrument petting zoo by William Harris Lee and Company
• Enjoy live music performances and refreshments. 
• Learn about our programs: Early Childhood, Suzuki Instruction, private lessons, and group classes.

Registration for spring term classes starts January 2. A 25 percent new student discount will be offered on January 12 for all new Sherwood students that register and pay in full at the open house. For more information, call 312.369.3100 or visit colum.edu/sherwood. You can also find them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

2012 “Bash on Wabash” Coming August 25-26

The South Loop’s Summer Street Fest
The Bash on Wabash is a lively experience celebrating the cultural diversity of Chicago’s fastest growing neighborhood. The excitement happens on South Wabash Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets. The Bash on Wabash is Saturday August 25 and Sunday August 26 from noon to 10 p.m. both days.

Roasted corn, inflatables, a mechanical bull!
Benefiting the Greater South Loop Association, the Bash mirrors the South Loop’s vibrancy, offering something for everyone, all on hand for you to see and experience firsthand. Fresh roasted corn and beer and wine is available to highlight the end of the summer season. A fun kids’ area with inflatables and Corn Bags Tournament is featured throughout the weekend, as well as a 5K run on Sunday. Grown-up fun includes a mechanical bull—“ride ‘em cowboy”—and sumo wrestling. To top it off, revelers enjoy a variety of live music, including some of Chicago’s hot local acts from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Something for everyone

A scene from the 2011 Bash

“The Bash is a great family and neighborhood event,” according to GSLA President Gail Rutkowski. Rutkowski is the founder of the Bash. “It started out as a group of neighbors getting together in the early days of the South Loop’s development. Now that the neighborhood has grown, it’s part of Chicago’s family of summer festivals.” South Loop resident and frequent Bash attendee Pam Wynn says, “As our family has grown, so has the Bash. We look forward to attending each year and enjoying all the festivities with our neighborhood friends. With food, music, kids’ activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Saturday Headliner Jessica Lea Mayfield

Music Matters at the Bash
Music is an important part of the Bash and the artistic talent assembled this year is especially good. “The line-up is filled top to bottom with the most exceptional talent I have seen in a long time,” so says T.J. Sagen, current band and personal manager at Jeff Battaglia Management in Chicago. “Each artist has a uniqueness which makes the musical aspect of this year’s festival extremely exciting.” Sagen is also a board member of the GSLA, as well as manager of Grammy-nominated hard-rock band Disturbed and singer/songwriter Jess Godwin.

Godwin is performing at this year’s Bash on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Sagen says, this about Godwin: “Her image is powerful, her lyrics beautiful, and her voice can quiet a room.” When asked about performing at street festivals in Chicago, Godwin said, “Attending street festivals is one of my favorite things to do in Chicago. I’m so honored and excited to be amongst so many other talented artists who get to perform at the Bash on Wabash!”

Sunday Headliner JD McPherson

Saturday headliner Jessica Lea Mayfield is sure to wow the crowd. “Those who have not had the opportunity to see Mayfield are in for a real treat,” according to Sagen. On JD McPherson, Sunday’s headliner, Sagen ends on this note: “People young and old will love McPherson’s soulful, old school, rhythm and blues, rock and roll style. This is one artist I strongly recommend to everyone. I can’t think of a better musician to cap off the Bash on Wabash.”