2008 Chicago Official Visitors Guide - (Page 11) 2 3 3. Artropolis and Art Chicago Art lovers from around the world come to Chicago for Artropolis, the city’s exciting celebration of arts, antiques and culture. The citywide event takes place April 25–28 and is anchored by five diverse art shows at the Merchandise Mart. The main event is Art Chicago, a renowned contemporary art fair showcasing more than 140 of the world’s finest galleries. The other can’t-miss shows are NEXT, an invitational show for emerging art; the International Antiques Fair, which features more than 110 top dealers; The Intuit Show of Folk and Outsider Art; and The Artist Project, a show and sale for new and undiscovered artists. During Artropolis, numerous venues throughout the city — including museums, galleries, parks, clubs and concert halls — present educational programs, guided tours, and musical and dance performances. Many events offer discounted admission to Artropolis ticket holders. Visit the Web site at www.mmart.com/artropolis for more information. 4 1. Outdoor Music Festivals In summer, Chicago comes alive with the sounds of music as musicians and audiences take to the parks. The Chicago Gospel Music Festival takes place May 30–June 1 in Millennium Park, celebrating the social and historical significance of gospel with musicians from around the country. The blues take over June 5–8 in Grant Park with the Chicago Blues Festival, held in the Petrillo Band Shell. It’s the largest free blues festival in the world, offering more than 70 performers on six stages with the biggest names in national, international and local blues. But the fun doesn’t stop there; the Grant Park Music Festival, held in Millennium Park’s Pritzker Pavilion, picks up right where the Blues Festival leaves off as the nation’s only free, outdoor classical music concert series. The Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus are joined by a variety of celebrated musicians and ensembles to present diverse musical programs most Wednesdays through Saturdays from mid-June through August. Finally, the Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island provides a great place to experience live music amid the backdrop of the Chicago Skyline in the heart of Museum Campus. Events range from rock concerts to family shows and take place from June through September. 4. Garfield Park Conservatory’s 100th Birthday The Garfield Park Conservatory is the largest public “glass house” in the nation, displaying hundreds of exotic plants under sparkling glass ceilings as well as beautifully landscaped outdoor gardens. The Conservatory first opened its doors in April 1908 and plans to celebrate its centennial with a yearlong series of events and programs, including the unveiling of a new permanent exhibit, “Sugar from the Sun,” in which visitors will use their five senses to experience the Conservatory’s tropical collection of mangos, bananas, oranges and papayas. The party will be held April 13 and will continue through the summer with a variety of music and art festivals, special events and programs. pg 2. Looptopia 2008 Following the tradition of White Nights in Rome, Paris and Madrid, Looptopia is an all-night party celebrating the diversity of the Loop neighborhood in all its glory. As America’s first dusk-til-dawn cultural and artistic spectacle, Looptopia 2007 drew more than 200,000 people to 130 events in 30 venues, and this year will be even bigger. The schedule includes an extraordinary mix of dance, music and theater, retailers and restaurants with extended hours, architectural tours, interactive performances, films, artistic installations and video projections. The Loop will be transformed into an ethereal, urban wonderland from 5pm on Friday, May 2 until 8am on Saturday, May 3. For a personalized tour contact the Chicago Greeter Program: 312-744-8000, www.chicagogreeter.com ¶ 11 http://www.chicagogreeter.com
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