El-Amin Life Productions Cultural Institute Supports the promotion of performing arts in The City of Chicago.
What's Happening Live
Chicago's Summer: Festivals and Events Calendar
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors.
Cultural Festivals and Special Events
Bud Billiken Day Parade
The Bud Billiken Club was a social club for black young people in Chicago, established in 1923, by the Chicago Defender founder Robert Sengstacke Abbott and its editor, Lucius Harper. The Bud Billiken Club was formed as part of the Defender Junior, the children's page in the newspaper, to encourage reading, appropriate social conduct, and involvement in the community, among the young people of Chicago.
The Bud Billiken Day Parade takes place in historic Bronzeville annually on the second Saturday in August and proceeds south on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive from Oakwood Boulevard to 51st Street and continues on Ellsworth Drive through Washington Park to 55th Street where it disbands and is followed by the ‘After Parade’ activities.
International Festival Of Life
IFOL is a catalyst for companies/businesses seeking to brand their names, products or services, and for creating change to all who seek wholesome life experiences, and want to realize a deeper sense of mission based on equal opportunity with all of humanity.
The 27th IFOL takes place on Thursday- Sunday, July 4th -7th, 2019 in Washington Park, 58th and Cottage Grove, Chicago, Illinois commencing from noon to 10:00 pm each day.
Live Cultural Performance Events
Cultural Affairs and Special Events
June 7-9, 2019 • Millennium Park • FREE Admission • 11am-9:30pm
The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world and remains the largest of Chicago's Music Festivals. During three days on four stages, blues fans enjoy free live music in the "Blues Capital of the World." Past performers include Bonnie Raitt, the late Ray Charles, the late B.B. King, the late Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, the late Koko Taylor, Shemekia Copeland, Gary Clark Jr, Rhiannon Giddens, Lil Ed and the Imperials and Bobby Rush.
Cultural Affairs and Special Events
July 10-14, 2019 • Grant Park •
FREE Admission
Wednesday-Friday: 11am-9pm,
Saturday & Sunday: 10am-9pm
Taste of Chicago is the nation's premier outdoor food festival showcasing the diversity of Chicago's dining community. The delicious array of food served at Taste of Chicago is complemented by music and exciting activities for the entire family. Every summer since 1980, Chicago's beautiful Grant Park on the city's magnificent lakefront has been home to the world's largest food festival.
Cultural Affairs and Special Events
August 23-September 1, 2019 • Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park
FREE Admission
Known for its artistic creativity, the Chicago Jazz Festival is a favorite Labor Day Weekend tradition. It promotes awareness and appreciation for all forms of jazz through free, quality live musical performance. Since 1979, the festival's mission is to showcase Chicago's vast jazz talent alongside national and international artists to encourage and educate a jazz audience of all ages. Chicago Jazz Festival
Africa International House
30th Annual African Festival Of The Arts
August 30, 2019 to September 2, 2019
Friday 1pm - 10pm
Saturday-Monday 10am - 10pm
Chicago’s Washington Park
Annually during Labor Day Weekend, the Festival grounds in Chicago’s Washington Park come alive in a simulated African village. Attendees are transported across the Diaspora with interactive engagements, vibrant drumming, museum quality and collectible artifacts, colorful and rich handwoven fabric and textile, and other program spaces and Interactive spaces include: Drum & Afro-folk Village, Children and Family, African Heritage, African Spirituality, Wellness (Health) Village, Books and Authors, Fine Art, Film and Video, Food Court, Seniors and Quilting, and the African Marketplace.
GHANA NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHICAGO
Saturday, July 27 2019 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Washington Park 5600 S. Russell Drive Chicago, IL
GHANA NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHICAGO & ITS AFFILIATES BRING YOU THE LARGEST SUMMER SHOWCASE OF GHANAIAN MUSIC, ART, FASHION, FOOD, PERFORMANCES, AND CULTURE IN THE MIDWEST SINCE 1988 ! COME AND BE A PART OF HISTORY WITH OVER 5,000 PEOPLE AS WE HONOR THE PAST 30 YEARS, PRESERVE OUR PRESENT, AND EMPOWER OUR FUTURE !!!
WNUA Smooth Jazz Thursdays
Clark St. @ North Ave.
WNUA/Chicago Historical Society
312-642-4600
Live Performance Cultural Events
Eventbrite - Jabari CG productions in assoc with J4 Life
CHICAGO JERK FESTIVAL
Sunday, June 23, 2019 11AM - 10PM Washington Park, Chicago, IL
The South Side is gearing up to welcome thousands of patrons to experience the sights, sounds and spicy aromas of the first-ever Chicago Jerk Festival, starring Caribbean music sensations Cocoa Tea, Kiprich, Jah Vinci, D’Angel, Stacious, Papa Michigan, Indika Band and more.
The daylong extravaganza will feature the exotic Caribbean and American food — most grilled to perfection — live music, authentic Caribbean influenced arts and crafts souvenirs and a Kids’ Zone play area offering lots of activities for kids of all ages. Other highlights that cannot be missed will include “The Corn Man,” nationally-famous for his popular roasted corn; and “The Coconut Man,” known for his exotic coconut food and beverage variations.
Haile Selassie I Day Celebration
The Rastafari Council of Chicago
Saturday July 21, 2018 1PM - 9PM
James Park 2100 Oakton St Evanston, IL.
Join us this year in wonderful ilahbration of Qedemawi Haile Selassie’s 126th Earth-Strong!
Its free of $charge$ to join us. Only charge is Respect and love!
We are gathering to ilahbrate our King & God Father Qedemawi Haile Selassie I, Jah! Rastafari!
Martin's International
African/Caribbean International Festival of Life
Friday July 4, 2019-Sunday 7, 2019
12PM - 10PM Washington Park,
55th & Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, IL
This year’s celebration is dedicated to “TheReggae50”, fifty years of reggae since established in 1968. Also, to mark the bicentennial Anniversary of the death of Chicago’s Founding Father, Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable, a native of Haiti. Martin’s International is dedicating Saturday July 7th, the second day of the festival to memorialize the life and August 29, 1818, death of the Haitian born, father of Chicago, two hundred years ago.
IFOL showcases a very diverse culture and music from many nations; primarily from the Caribbean, Africa, Latin America and the United States. People now call it the “Carnival of Nations”, as it aims at bringing communities together through music and culture.
Evanston World Arts and Music Festival
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Sunday, 22, 2018
12PM - 7PM Dawes Park
1700 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL 60201
Evanston’s lakefront will be transformed into a Global Village for the World Arts & Music Festival, a two-day celebration of global diversity. This free event features art from an abundance of countries, family crafts activities, international cuisine, and live music and dance performances. Attendees will enjoy continuous performances throughout the weekend at two venues at the Arrington Lakefront Lagoon in Dawes Park and Centennial Park.
will not be held in July 2019.
Chicago Live Jazz Scene
Green Mill Jazz Club
Green Mill Jazz Club
Green Mill Jazz Club
4802 N. Broadway St. Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 878-5552
Carrying on the traditions set forth by the legends that used to take the stage, this former speakeasy in Uptown dates back to 1907 and is the longest continuously-running jazz club in the country. Slip into one of the glamorous curved booths at this cultural gem for a stellar lineup of live jazz every night, from sultry singers to big band to bebop.
Jazz Showcase
Green Mill Jazz Club
Green Mill Jazz Club
806 S. Plymouth Ct. Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 360 0234
The oldest historic jazz club in Chicago has been hosting top local and visiting musicians since its inception in 1947. Loyal fans have followed the club, even through its different venue relocations, making its polished South Loop space a destination for those who appreciate a sophisticated evening out.
Andy's Jazz Club
Green Mill Jazz Club
Andy's Jazz Club
11 E. Hubbard St. Chicago, IL 60611
312-642-6805
With a prime location just 2 blocks from the Magnificent Mile and the downtown Loop, this jazz mainstay can draw a good crowd. Make a table reservation for dinner or come early to secure seats, though the intimate space has good views from all around the stage.
Velvet Lounge
Untitled Supper Club
Andy's Jazz Club
67 E. Cermak Rd. Chicago, IL
312-791-9050
The Velvet Lounge is the only place in the world where you can hear the Chicago sound five 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.
Winter's Jazz Club
Untitled Supper Club
Untitled Supper Club
465 N. McClurg Court Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 344-1270
Relaxed, intimate venue featuring live jazz acts 6 nights a week & a lounge area with a full bar.
Untitled Supper Club
Untitled Supper Club
Untitled Supper Club
111 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 880-1511
Jazz Club Restaurant/lounge featuring creative American food & craft cocktails in space with a speakeasy vibe.
Live Music Venues
The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary
The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary
2610 N Halsted Ave Chicago, IL60614
773) 770-3511
Live Reggae in all its forms from all over the world is our passion and our terrific crowds of long-time friends and new enthusiasts reflect the wonderful diversity that reggae music brings out. We feature local, regional and international artists performing nightly Tuesday through Sunday at 9pm. Come early for our killer food (dinner begins nightly at 6pm with late night snacks until close), ice cold drinks and the friendliest, all-welcome Irie Vibes anywhere.
Mayne Stage
The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary
1328 W Morse Ave Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 381-4551
As a theater and movie house a century ago, Mayne Stage was a respite and relief from the harsh vicissitudes of post-Victorian Chicago. Today, this lovingly restored Art Deco event space is a place of celebration, commemoration and observation as one of Chicago's most original and stylish event rental venues.
California Clipper
1002 N California Ave Chicago, IL 60622
Live Music: Nightly
The Clipper has always been known for diverse acts, and while the lineup has skewed slightly more jazz/alt-country as of late, there’s no finer spot to belly up with a cocktail and take in some music. DJ acts like Wilco’s John Stirratt are also a welcome new addition.
Schubas Tavern
Schubas Tavern
3159 N. Southport Ave. 60657 Chicago, IL 773-525-2508
Live music: Nightly
Schubas is one of the coolest bars in the 'hood. But behind the nondescript wooden doors in the back, the cozy little Schlitz bar opens up to reveal one of the finest rooms in the city for indie rock. Its January Tomorrow Never Knows Fest with sister venue Lincoln Hall is also not to be missed.
Metro
Schubas Tavern
The Hideout
3730 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60613
773-549-4140
The Metro: With a reputation for bringing in acts on the verge of breaking it big, this Chicago institution is a platform for many genres. From mainstream rock and metal, to indie pop and electronica, dig into the new music scene at the 30-year-old independent venue.
The Hideout
Schubas Tavern
The Hideout
1354 W Wabansia Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
773-227-4433
Live music: Regularly (several times a week)
Surrounded by industrial buildings and a Home Depot, the Hideout is simply that: a tucked-away dive haven for drinking on picnic tables and getting cozy for tunes in the wood-paneled back room (that can even draw surprisingly big names on occasion). It's recently expanded to a second location Downtown along the riverfront, which looks to replicate the local, low-key vibe of the Noble Square space.
Chicago Home of the Blues
Buddy Guy's Legends
Buddy Guy's Legends
Buddy Guy's Legends
700 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 427-1190
Owned by the iconic guitarist himself, this nightclub keeps the blues tradition alive on Chicago's South Side. Local, national and international acts play nightly, with Buddy playing sold out shows each January.
Kingston Mines
Buddy Guy's Legends
Buddy Guy's Legends
2548 N. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 544-5442
For nearly 50 years, the two stages of this late night blues hangout has been keeping the music alive on the city’s North Side. Here at the largest and oldest continuously-operating blues club in Chicago, get your fill of Southern-style fare from Doc’s Rib Joint while two alternating bands play continuously from their “front porch.”
Blue Chicago
Buddy Guy's Legends
House of Blues
536 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 661-0100
Blue Chicago is world-renowned offering the best of Chicago's blues musicians and vocalists performing in an intimate and friendly atmosphere. Conveniently located in the River North Entertainment district near the major hotels. Open 7 nights a week from 8 p.m. music beginning at 9 p.m.
House of Blues
House of Blues
House of Blues
329 N. Dearborn St. Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 923-2000
An entertainment emporium in downtown River North, the Chicago version of this chain has the glorious colors and rich adornments of the Mississippi Delta as a backdrop to the national touring acts (not only blues) and Gospel brunch served up in the various levels.
Rosa's Lounge
House of Blues
Rosa's Lounge
3420 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 342-0452
Live Music Venue
Longtime family-owned neighborhood club where both traditional & modern performers sing the blues.
B.L.U.E.S.
House of Blues
Rosa's Lounge
2519 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 528-1012
Live Music Venue
Live electric blues play every night at this cozy space where visitors can see musicians up close.
Chicago's Live Entertainment Theatres
Park West
The Vic Theatre
322 W. Armitage Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 440-9191
National headliners like Aimee Mann, Raphael Saadiq and Pete Yorn are on the roster at this former movie house, which boasts an intimate lounge setting with five tiers of seating.
The Vic Theatre
The Vic Theatre
3145 N. Sheffield Ave Chicago, IL
This five-story vaudeville house was built as the Victoria Theatre in 1912. Catch favorite artists in rock, pop and indie music here, while on off nights see the space double as a movie theater known as the Brew & View.
Riviera Theatre
Riviera Theatre
4746 N. Racine Ave. Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 275-6800
In Chicago's historic Uptown theater district, the past and the present collide. The timeworn venue hosts big names of today, with its glitzy red marquee sporting such rock and pop headliners as The Fray, Wilco, Adele, Crystal Castles and Andrew W.K.
Aragon Ballroom
Avalon Regal Theater
Riviera Theatre
1106 W. Lawrence Ave. Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 328-5705
Walking through this massive space is like stepping back into a Spanish palace courtyard, complete with crystal chandeliers, terra cotta ceilings, ornate balconies and beautiful archways. Larger than its neighboring Uptown theaters, it maxes out at 4,500 for big name concert tours such as Jane's Addiction, The Black Keys and Gotye, and Spanish-language performance
Chicago Theatre
Avalon Regal Theater
Avalon Regal Theater
175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601
A gloriously-restored auditorium with seating for 3,600, this downtown icon lines up superstar entertainers for shows that appeal to all ages such as David Byrne, The Monkees, Fleet Foxes and Nicki Minaj.
Avalon Regal Theater
Avalon Regal Theater
Avalon Regal Theater
1641 E. 79th Street; Chicago, Illinois
The Avalon Theatre opened on August 29th, 1927 with Douglas MacLean in “Soft Cushions” on the screen and on stage a musical presentation “Dreams of Araby” performed by Bobby Fisher. With over 2,500-seats, the theatre is famous for its elaborate and exotic interior, which was designed in Middle Eastern style by John Eberson (who also designed the long-lost Paradise Theatre, in Chicago’s Garfield Park neighborhood) for the Cooney Brothers circuit.
African Cultural Music Made in America
Mujaahid African Drum Ensamble
Mujaahid African Drum Ensemble in America is a group of some of the premier Master Drummers in Chicago. This ensemble is composed of very dynamic, energetic and exciting griots (African tribal storytellers) that seek to convey the spirit and tradition of our African Heritage through our Drums of Passion. The Mujaahid is a warrior in
Mujaahid African Drum Ensemble in America is a group of some of the premier Master Drummers in Chicago. This ensemble is composed of very dynamic, energetic and exciting griots (African tribal storytellers) that seek to convey the spirit and tradition of our African Heritage through our Drums of Passion. The Mujaahid is a warrior in the cause of Freedom. We are making the Drum Call for African Unity to free our communities from the attack of violence, crime, poverty and ignorance. We M.A.D.E. In America!
Black History Month Events
Origins of Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history.
The story of Black History Month begins in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States.
That September, the Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by black Americans and other peoples of African descent.
Known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the group sponsored a national Negro History week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The event inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs and host performances and lectures.
In the decades that followed, mayors of cities across the country began issuing yearly proclamations recognizing Negro History Week. By the late 1960s, thanks in part to the civil rights movement and a growing awareness of black identity, Negro History Week had evolved into Black History Month on many college campuses.
President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Did you know? The NAACP was founded on February 12, 1909, the centennial anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln.