On June 21st, Make Music Chicago returns for its 15th edition, and the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University is very pleased to announce that it has assumed the management of the festival. Kevin Hampton, Dean of the Chicago College of Performing Arts, shared that “the festival is an excellent match with the mission of the college and Roosevelt University, providing our students, faculty, and staff with new opportunities to serve the people of Chicago through the performing arts. Whether participating in Sousapalooza, or Pianos in the Parks, or other events, Chicagoans will have multiple opportunities to experience the thrill of participating in, or listening to, the incredible diversity of the musical fabric in our beloved city. Students in the Chicago College of Performing Arts will have opportunities for annual service-learning projects and internships related to the planning, scheduling, and execution of each festival in the years to come.”
This year’s featured celebration will take place in the Spirit of Music Park, 601 S. Michigan Avenue on June 21st from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. Highlights at this location include the beloved Sousapalooza band play-along with the Lakeside Pride Band, a musical theater sing-along led by CCPA theater students, and a Make Some Noise tent for kids and families with instruments provided by Rhythm Band Instruments. The rain location for these events will be the Ida B. Wells Lounge located on the second floor of the Auditorium Building on the campus of Roosevelt University (entrance at 430 S. Michigan). Free play-alongs, sing-alongs, music lessons, and performances will take place in parks, libraries, and music venues throughout the city. For more information, please go to: www.makemusicchicago.org.
June 21st is also the launch of Pianos in the Parks, which offers free access to pianos and piano lessons in six Chicago Parks through the end of July. See the website for a complete schedule of events and further information about Pianos in the Parks.
The transition of Make Music Chicago to Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Helen Zell, as well as a Chicago Park District grant. Roosevelt plans to involve students in the program’s operations, planning and performing to the greatest extent possible. University leadership hopes to carry on the great traditions of Make Music Chicago, while making the program unique to Roosevelt University. Doing so will require additional contributions from donors beyond this year—helping offset programmatic costs, paid internship opportunities, and more. A matching gift challenge will soon be announced. In the meantime, contributions may be made online.
Make Music Chicago and Pianos in the Parks are also presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, supported by the Mayor’s Office and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The Night Out in the Parks program presents cultural events year-round in neighborhood parks throughout the city. The Chicago Park District, in partnership with local artists and organizations, presents engaging events and performances that enhance quality of life across Chicago and amplify the artistic and cultural vibrancy in every neighborhood. Through multiple disciplines, which include theater, music, movies, dance, site-specific work, nature programs, and community festivals, the series aims to support Chicago-based artists, facilitate community-based partnerships and programs, cultivate civic engagement, and ensure equity in access to the arts for all Chicagoans. For more information, please visit: www.nightoutintheparks.com.
Media Contact:
Mike Kaluzny, Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications
312-341-6461
Email: mkaluzny@roosevelt.edu
