13 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Week
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 27, 2016 4:21PM
See free concerts downtown at Pritzker Pavilion. Photo courtesy of Millennium Park.
Get ready for the 4th of July with a boatload of events in the city this week.
MONDAY JUNE 27
DOWNTOWN MUSIC SERIES: The Millennium Park Summer Music Series continues with performances from Latin jazz pianist Eddie Palmieri’s Salsa Orchestra and local Afro-Colombian group Ecos del Pacifico. These free concerts (once known as Downtown Sound and World Class Jazz take place every Monday and Thursday on the Pritzker Pavilion stage at 6:30 p.m.
BARTENDER COMPETITION: Mixologists from Chicago, Minneapolis, and Milwaukee compete for the title of Most Imaginative Bartender at Fulton Market Kitchen from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The event, presented by BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin, is the regional part of the 10th annual competition, and the top 10 finalists from around the country will go on to London to compete for the 2016 North American title. Consumers may RSVP at MIB@Bombay.com.
WINE DINNER: Rockit Bar & Grill takes their Taste It series up a notch with the Jackson Family Wine Dinner from 7 to 10 p.m. A Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon will accompany savory food pairings by Executive Chef/Partner Amanda Downing. Wines by the glass will also be 50 percent off. Tickets are $55.
TUESDAY JUNE 28
TASTE OF CHICAGO PREVIEW: Get a taste of the bites from the city’s ultimate food festival before the event hits Grant Park. The Taste of Chicago Preview takes place at Daley Plaza from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with 11 restaurants and food trucks and a performance from rock band The Giving Moon. Free.
SUMMER JAMS: Ladyhawke's new album Wild Things is a blast of dance-rock sunshine with a healthy electro-pop pulse. This collection of tunes has swiftly made its way to the top of our personal summer playlists. Pip Brown doesn't tour the states all that often, so this appearance at Schubas on Tuesday night should be a special treat not to be missed. Tickets are $15.
WEDNESDAY JUNE 29
WINE DINNER: Join Devon Seafood and Two Hands for a wine dinner at 6 p.m. The four-course dinner will feature light hors d’oeuvres, Char Crust Scallops, a Peanut Butter and Jelly Bread Pudding and wine pairings. Tickets are $75. For reservations, call Tim Sherlock at (312) 440-8660.
BOWIE + PRINCE TRIBUTE + BENEFIT: Kinky Love, The Kickback’s Billy Yost and Eric Mahle of Sunken Ships are just a few of the artists performing at the Foundations of Music’s Tribute to David Bowie & Prince. The show benefits the organization, which is dedicated to providing music education to at-risk youth in Chicago Public Schools. Count on raffles and face painting in addition to a night of awesome music. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.
RYAN GOSLING TRIVIA: Hey girl. You know you’re an expert when it comes to Ryan Gosling trivia, now put your knowledge to the test at Bull & Bear’s themed trivia night beginning at 7 p.m. They’ve also got a special Gosling-inspired menu for the night. Winning team earns a $200 cash prize. Free. Reservations recommended. Reserve a table by emailing the trivia organizers.
THURSDAY JUNE 30
DOWNTOWN MUSIC SERIES: The Millennium Park Summer Music Series continues with performances from Givers, an indie pop group influenced by Louisiana’s zydeco, cajun and jazz cultures and indie pop band from Baltimore, Lower Dens. These free concerts (once known as Downtown Sound and World Class Jazz take place every Monday and Thursday on the Pritzker Pavilion stage at 6:30 p.m.
ROOF RUNWAY: Suit Supply hits ROOF on theWit for a ROOF runway show at 7 p.m. See a sampling of the “effortless and chic” suits and shirts from the men’s brand while sipping beverages high above the loop. Free. RSVP to 312.239.9502 for express entry.
CHIRP BENEFIT PARTY: Help CHIRP get closer to their broadcast launch at 107.1FM with a party on the patio at Big Bricks. The party will have all-you-can-eat tacos and pizza, raffles and CHIRP DJs spinning tunes. There will be a cash bar and a percentage will benefit the independent radio project. Tickets are $25 in advance.
FRIDAY JULY 1
GUNS N ROSES: Slash is back. The band’s original lead guitarist, along with original bassist Duff McKagan, once again take the stage with Axl Rose at Soldier Field. Before surprising fans at Coachella and embarking on this “Not In This Lifetime” stadium tour, the trio of rockers hadn’t played together since 1993. They’ll play two shows, Friday and Sunday, with rock band Alice In Chains opening. Tickets start at $69.50.
WHISKEY RELEASE: Join Chicago’s whiskey bar Delilah’s as they release their 800th bottle of Whiskey on the Wall. To mark the occasion, they’ve created a custom Maker’s Mark Bourbon by adding a unique selection of toasted oak barrel staves to a still wet barrel of Maker’s, and then refilling it with bourbon to create a unique single barrel whiskey. Jane Connor from Maker’s Mark, who helped develop this new aging method, will also be in attendance. Free.