National Urban League Conference - The Path to Power
Ongoing through Saturday, August 1
Over the course of the conference the most celebrated and influential thought leaders will share their insight and expertise in regards to the challenges and opportunities African-Americans face in the 21st century. Join us in Chicago for 3.5 days of stimulating workshops and plenary sessions, networking opportunities, a free Career Fair and free access to the NUL Experience, a lively Exhibit Hall - all of which will provide tools to get you on your personal Path to Power. See you in Chicago!, Download a PDF of the Conference Registration Book HERE (please refer to website homepage for updated list of confirmations)
Price: Varied
The Black Women's Expo
Friday, July 31 - Sunday, August 2
For A Complete List of Speakers & Seminars - Click Here.
Soleil's Take: In these days when so many organizations are coming up with ways to get more of your money, it's kinda cool to come across an event that has actually reduced its admission charge!
Price: $10, daily; $5, under 17 and over 65
SummerDance: The Boilermaker Jazz Band
Friday, July 31, 2009, 6 - 9:30pm
The 13th annual Chicago SummerDance series presents free East Coast Swing dance lessons by Big City Swing and live music by the Boilermaker Jazz Band. The Boilermaker Jazz Band is an ecstatically fun band performing authentic hot jazz and swing., The Boilermaker Jazz Band is an ecstatically fun band performing authentic hot jazz and swing. The group has a wide repertoire that can make an audience swing to a classic jazz standard, get sentimental over an old-time ballad, boogie to a hot jump tune, or get low-down with a gritty blues., Leading the Boilermaker Jazz Band on clarinet and vocals is Paul Cosentino, a full time bandleader/performer who founded the band in 1988 at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. The band also features singer Jennie Luvv, who thrills with her smooth and sultry vocal stylings. Paul and the Boilermakers have recorded six critically acclaimed CDs and have received rave reviews for their excellent live performances.
Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Thursdays - Sundays, June 11 - August 23
"We Love You Madly" Awards Gala (JazzFest)
Friday, July 31, 2009, 6 - 10pm
The JazzFest is the final event in Jazz Unites' fiscal year of activities. It is to say thank you to JUI members and music lovers. This free concert is the widest possible audience to hear some of the bjest performers in jazz music., This year's honorees include:, Mr. James Moody, Mr. Kelan Phil Cohran, Barbara Flynn Currie, State Representative
Price: $30
Friday Evening "Sit & Sip"
Friday, July 31, 2009, 7 - 10pm
Start your weekend by meeting up with friends at WineStyles. Enjoy wine, beer, board games, and more. And don't forget, we're B.Y.O.F. (that's Bring Your Own Food). Live music by Vo starts at 8pm, We're your cheap date night.
Price: Free!
Close-Up 2: Chris Benman
Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1
Price: $5
Distingue: Friday Late Night Affair
Friday, July 31, 2009, 10pm - 2am
Featuring An Appearance by: R&B Sensation, Dwele, Music by: DJ Mark FullaFlava & DJ Vince Adams, Presented by M. Fuller, S. Dyes, B. Wallace & Stephen Mitchell
Millennium Park Morning Fitness
Saturday, August 1, 2009, 7 - 11am
WEEKLY TAI CHI 7am, Start your day with this ancient Chinese martial art that has brought peace and discipline to its adherents for centuries.
YOGA 8 a.m. Start your day with Yoga in the Park, a class that helps to improve strength, balance, mental focus and flexibility through guided poses, mental imagery and breath work.,
PILATES 9 a.m. Strengthen the core muscles with Pilates in the Park and improve your posture, muscular imbalances and flexibility through a series of ground-based exercises.
DANCE 10 a.m. Dance to the beat with a workout led by members of one of Chicago's outstanding area dance companies., June: Body Combat™/Body Attack™/BodyJam™ with Les Mills Trainers, Take a fiercely energetic class inspired by martial arts, drawn from a wide array of disciplines including Karate, boxing, Taekwondo, Tai Chi and Muay Thai., July: Capoiera with Marisa Cordeiro of Gingarte Capoeira Chicago, Learn the moves that combine elements of fighting with dancing, singing and musical instruments. August: Samba Dance Mania with Shirley Vieira and Edilson Lima of Brazil via Chicago, Dance and get fit to the Brazilian rhythms of the samba at Samba Dance Mania with Shirley Vieira and Edilson Lima of Brazil via Chicago., September: Zumba® with Nancy, Feel the heat with fast and slow rhythms combined with resistance training to the Latin beat at Zumba®. Learn more about Zumba® with Nancy Hildebrandt, Fitness Coach.
Price: Free!
Bronzeville Community Market - The Art of Food & Life
Saturday, August 1, 2009, 8am - 1pm
The Bronzeville Community Market, the first of its kind in the City of Chicago, will offer locally grown products as well as tropical produce, prepared foods, and a vibrant array of entertainment and community activities. This farmers' market is a joint project between Quad Communities Development Corporation (QCDC), a local non-profit organization, and the Mayor's Office of Special Events (MOSE). The market will feature a wide variety of fresh and organic fruits and vegetables; a selection of meats, cooking oils, honey, and wine; a range of baked goods and prepared foods; vendors selling plants, beauty products and other non-food items, and a variety of fair trade vendors in cooperation with the Chicago Fair Trade Association. Market goers can also visit a wellness area that will feature a chiropractor and health screenings provided by a local medical facility.
Price: Free!
61st Street Farmers Market
Saturday, August 1, 2009, 9am - 2pm
From now until Halloween, the 2nd year of the 61st Street Farmer's Market will be bringing fresh and healthy foods to this community. Shoppers can purchase local sustainable fruits, vegetables, dairy products, eggs, meats, baked goods, flowers, and plants. There are lots of useful demonstrations as well. This market is run by the Experimental Station, a non-profit organization that is committed to building an independent cultural infrastructure on Chicago's South Side.
Price: Free!
Heritage JazzFest Music Weekend (JazzFest)
Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2
The JazzFest is the final event in Jazz Unites' fiscal year of activities. It is to say thank you to JUI members and music lovers. This free concert is the widest possible audience to hear some of the best performers in jazz music., On Saturday, August 1st the program begins with the High School Bands, at approximately 11:00 a.m. and concludes with the James Moody Quartet. Other performers scheduled to appear include:, Fernando Jones, Crosswinds, Theresa Griffin, Orbert Davis, James Moody Quartet, On Sunday, August 2nd the concert begins at approximately 12:30pm and features Mr. Fernando Jones and concludes with The Norman Connors Starship Orchestra with special guest Tom Browne. Other performers scheduled to appear include:, Mambo Express Afro Cuban Band, Michael Ross, The Deep Blue Organ Trio The Norman Connors Starship Orchestra with Special Guest Tom Browne
Price: Free!
Summer Sizzle Neighborhood Festival
Saturday, August 1, 2009, 11am - 5pm
Food & beverages; games & prizes; face painting; story-telling; Jesse White Tumblers, Jumping Jack bouncer, magic show, priority seating for seniors; dance performances.
Price: Free!
Bud Billiken 80th Birthday Party
Saturday, August 1, 2009, 12 - 3pm
In celebration of the 80th annual Bud Billiken® Parade and Picnic, Chicago Defender Charities is throwing an old-school/new school 80th Birthday Party! The free birthday party, which takes place exactly one week before the 2009 Bud Billiken® Parade and Picnic on Saturday, August 8th, will feature live performances by the King High School Marching Band, Final Phaze Dance Team, Silver Foxes, New Generation Fancy Drill Team and the Chicago Twisters All Star Cheer, Dance and Tumbling Team. D.J. Tyrone will be spinning old school and new school flavors ranging from blues and R&B to soul and Hip-Hop. To top off the afternoon cake and ice cream will be served., In August of 1929, Robert S. Abbott founded the African-American tradition of the annual Bud Billiken® Parade and Picnic to rally the newsboys who sold Chicago Defender newspapers and prepare them for their return to school. Eight decades later the custom of putting the spotlight on youth and education continues on the second Saturday in August each year., After 80 years of tradition, Bud Billiken has developed into a year-round program that is dedicated to providing youth with scholarships, internships, college recruitment, and job training. The Bud Green Initiative is a new 4-week 'learn-to-earn' program for students between the ages of 14-18. Students are currently receiving "green" training at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) after which team members will be employed to manage recyclables along the parade route and post-parade during the picnic and festival in Washington Park. In addition to efforts involving youth and education, Chicago Defender Charities also has programs in place to prevent violence and help at-risk youth. The Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic is one of the oldest and largest African-American parades in the nation; it is witnessed live by more than 1.5 million participants and by more than 25 million television viewers. The 80th Birthday Party will honor past accomplishments and future achievements of Bud Billiken®.
Price: Free!
SummerDance: Salsa Chicago Mambo All Stars
Saturday, August 1, 2009, 6 - 9:30pm
The 13th annual Chicago SummerDance Series presents free mambo and cha cha dance lessons by Miguel Mendez of Dance Academy of Salsa and live music by the Salsa Chicago Mambo All Stars. The Salsa Chicago Mambo All-Stars play a vast repertoire of music including Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Mambo, Latin Jazz, Boleros, Cha Cha Cha, Guajira, Cumbia and more., The Salsa Chicago Mambo All-Stars was started in 2006 by Chicago Salsa Instructor and vocalist Miguel Mendez, (Chicago Timbalero), Felix Raul "Timbal" Ortiz, Chicago's number one Timbalero; and Lead Sonero Mr. Freddy Kenton. The Salsa Chicago Mambo All-stars play a vast repertoire of music including Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Mambo, Latin Jazz, Boleros, Cha Cha Cha, Guajira, Cumbia and more.
Price: Free!
Rachelle Farrell, w/ Phil Perry
Saturday, August 1, 2009, 7 - 11pm
Though she is largely obscure outside of jazz circles (particularly those connected to the festival circuit), Rachelle Ferrell is unquestionably one of the most dynamic talents in contemporary pop music. Very few vocal artists in the industry have Ferrell's potent combination of range, phrasing, and musicianship (she is also and accomplished pianist). Such potency was made powerfully aware to Blue Note Record's head Bruce Lundvall who first heard Ferrell on a demo tape (while driving to the supermarket) and signed her shortly thereafter in 1990 after seeing her perform in Germantown, Pennsylvania. So impressed was Lundvall with her talents, that he signed Ferrell to both the Blue Note Label and the Capitol Label allowing her to funnel her talents through the prism of traditional jazz and R&B. In short, Rachelle Ferrell's talents transcend generic classification and Lundvall had the foresight to realize such a fact. Lundvall quickly set out to plan Ferrell's coming out party via a showcase at the 1991 Montreux Jazz Festival. In the past, the showcase was used to introduced the talents of Dianne Reeves (also signed to both labels), Stanley Jordan, and Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Live at Montreux 91-97 captures Ferrell's moving debut at Montreux in July of 1991 and subsequent performances at the venue throughout the decade of the 1990s. Ferrell first emerged in the states with her R&B debut Rachelle Ferrell (1992), a solid collection of self-penned originals that featured a striking duet with Will Downing ("Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This"). [more]
Miscellaneous Info: Reserved Section B $75, A,C,D $65, E-F $55, Gen Admission $20 - $45; VIP Tower $150
Funny 1st Saturdays: Comedy Relief
Saturday, August 1, 2009, 8:30pm - 1am
Every first Saturday of the month, Damon Williams Entertainment, in conjunction with Knock-Knock Productions, produces a monthly comedy event - Funny First Saturdays. Our comedy shows, which are hosted by Damon Williams, feature an array of nationally-acclaimed comedians and poets from HBO, Comedy Central, BET and more. Doors open at 8:30PM. Show time is at 9:00PM sharp. Immediately following the show, everyone is invited to hang out on the dance floor and enjoy the music of DJ Dolla Bill., The admission price for the comedy show and party per person is only $20. You can save money by purchasing discounted group tickets online for parties of 6 (at $108) and 10 ($160). For groups of 20 or more or to reserve a VIP table for 6 that include drink tickets, please contact Steve Capers at steve.capers@funnyfirstsaturdays.com or at 312-576-4890.
Price: $20
Late Night Music Series Featuring Vo Era
Saturday, August 1, 2009, 9pm - 1am
220 Communications & Ai Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Lounge and Aroma Chef present the Late Night Music Series. A monthly show featuring local talent and featuring prize drawing and other special giveaways..sample Ai's late night menu and enjoy yourself in Ai's private lounge. Featured Artist: Guitarist Vo Era, Special Guest : Camille Brown, Hosted By : Paulette "Passion" Stinson
Door: $20
Advance: $15
Summer Urban Oasis
Saturday, August 1, 2009, 9pm - 2am
Featuring An Appearance by: R&B Sensation, Dwele, Music by: DJ Mark FullaFlava & DJ Vince Adams, Presented by M. Fuller, S. Dyes, B. Wallace & Stephen Mitchell
Price: $20
Belize Day In the Park
Sunday, August 2, 2009, 10am - 10pm
For information, call (773) 881-0412.
Soleil's Take: This event has been picking up steam over the past couple of years. What was traditionally a laid back fest with a family reunion feel, has evolved into a much more festive Fest!
Price: Free!
SummerDance: Ron Smolen Orchestra
Sunday, August 2, 2009, 4 - 7pm
The 13th annual Chicago SummerDance series presents free English Waltz dance lessons by Kris & Ela Kasperowicz of Kasper Dance Studio and live music by the Ron Smolen Orchestra., The Ron Smolen Orchestra has been performing professionally since 1969. Based in Chicago, this popular 10-piece dance orchestra has played numerous functions throughout the country. They combine their big band sound with classic arrangements and create an atmosphere of nostalgia, fun and entertainment.
Price: Free!
Mos Def Presents: The Ecstatic Tour
Sunday, August 2, 2009, 7:30pm - 12am
Buy Mos Def Presents: The Ecstatic Tour feat. Mos Def and Jay Electronica, produced by Garden Grown and Guerilla Union, in association with House of Blues concert tickets for the show at House of Blues Chicago.
Price: $37
Chicago Botanic Garden Carillon Concerts
Monday, August 3, 2009, 5:30 - 8pm
Enjoy an enchanting 45-minute musical performance of carillon bells on a warm summer evening and watch lights illuminate Evening Island., Through a regularly scheduled series of concerts each summer, carillonneurs from around the world delight Garden visitors with the captivating music of the 48-bell Theodore C. Butz Memorial Carillon. Meet the performers and enjoy a free carillon tour and demonstration before the concert - you can even try your hand at ringing the bells. Visitors can purchase snacks and a bottle of wine from the Garden Café, or grilled selections from the Garden Grille including burgers, hot dogs and barbeque. You may also bring a picnic dinner to enjoy on the lawn by McGinley Pavilion. Since 1986, the carillon has remained both a noted landmark and a source of remarkable music at the Garden. Crafted in Holland, the tower's bronze bells and playing device with a range of four octaves constitutes one of the few hand-played carillons in the nation.
Price: Free!; parking, $20 per car
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Mike Reed
Tuesday, August 4, 2009, 5:30 - 8pm
About me. . . I'm a drummer, composer and presenter based in Chicago., I was born in Bielefeld, Germany in '74 and lived there until I was five. For the most part I grew up in Evanston, IL just north of Chicago. Since '97 I've been part of the vibrant Chicago jazz and improvised music scene and have had the great pleasure of performing with, and presenting some of the city's finest. I'm one of the lucky people that get to be as creative as possible with my music, while doing so at intimate gigs in Chicago or large festivals in different parts of the world. I also present music, as opposed to being a music promoter. Since my goal is to feature music in the most musician friendly and fan friendly environment my ideals can be in direct opposition to that of regular promoters. Among the events that I work on are; The Pitchfork Music Festival, Umbrella Music Festival, Hungry Brain Sunday Transmission Series and many others. On Average I present and collaborate in presenting about 150 shows per year.
Price: Free!
Music on the Esplanade: The Chicago Kingsnakes
Tuesday, August 4, 2009, 6 - 8pm
The Chicago Kingsnakes were formed in 1983 by guitarist / vocalist James Anderson. He started playing guitar at the age of 8 on a homemade instrument crafted from a cigar box, rubber bands and thumb tacks. A lifelong resident of Chicago, he received his musical education on the city's infamous south side, where he played with the likes of guitar greats Buddy Guy, Albert King, Lefty Dizz and Son Seals, harmonica legends James Cotton and Junior Wells and the Queen of The Blues, Koko Taylor.
Price: Free! Parking, $20 per car
Chicago Outdoor Film Festival: Born Yesterday
Tuesday, August 4, 2009, 8:40 - 10:20pm
Judy Holliday, Broderick Crawford, William Holden, Holliday's portrayal of Billie Dawn as the dumb-blonde, high pitched mistress of tycoon Harry Brock (Crawford) earned her the Best Actress Oscar®, beating out Gloria Swanson (Sunset Boulevard) and Bette Davis (All about Eve). Paul Verrall (Holden) is hired to help Billie "learn how to talk good" but an education for both of them ensues., 1950 (103 minutes)
Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Tuesday evenings (at sunset), July 14 - August 25, 2009
World Music Wednesdays: Alex Cuba
Wednesday, August 5, 2009, 8:30 - 11pm
Alex Cuba is an outstanding Cuban musician who immersed himself in guitar, tres, percussion and bass as a teenager and went on to play bass with traditional Cuban artists recording and touring extensively. He fully discovered his extraordinary capacity as a singer/songwriter after moving to Canada. After recording an award-winning album with his twin brother (vocalist Adonis Puentes), he broke out of the Cuban mold to create a son-rock-soul style that is all his own. His releases Humo de Tabaco and Agua del Pozo both earned Juno awards for Best World Music Album and charted heavily on iTunes. Alex Cuba returns to Chicago after sold out shows in the 2008 World Music Festival and a stellar performance at the House of Blues in April.
Price: $5, Suggested Donation
The Illinois Central Railroad, 12th Street Station was the portal for many African Americans. Thousands of Blacks came to Chicago continuously from 1890 through the 1950's due to racism in the South, lack of opportunity, and the desire for education and employment., The largest number of African Americans in Chicago settled between 18th Street on the North and 51st Street on the South - State Street on the West and Cottage Grove on the East during the Great Migration., The Chicago Defender Founded in 1905, communicated with more blacks than any other publication in the first half of the twentieth century. The newspaper encouraged the migration of black southerners to Northern cities with a circulation of over 200,000. Pullman Porters aided the nationwide distribution. 
Africa International House USA, Inc. and the 20th Annual Chrysler Financial African Festival of the Arts invite you to History, Traditions, Legends! An Exhibition featuring "Negritude," by Dayo Laoye. A Collection of Paintings and Drawings Showing the Diverse Nature of Beauty. 
The Velvet Lounge is the only place in the world where you can hear the Chicago sound seven days a week. The Sunday night jam sessions have been an effective way to promote younger members of the jazz community. Fred Anderson opened the Velvet Lounge in 1982 after his club The Birdhouse, on the near north side, closed due to city zoning ordinances. 
Directed by Aaron Todd Douglas, Over a ten-year span, a group of men who were employed in a Chicago steel mill find the bonds of their friendship severely tested as they witness their love and camaraderie escape them as they vehemently pursue what they think is the American Dream. 
Mondays, 7:30 - 11pm 
