No time like the present for Chicago vacations, cause Chi-town is dancing to a different beat until Sept 25th 2008. That’s for the city-wide, multi venue 10th annual World Music Festival Chicago 2008, which began on Sept 19th.

Organized by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), the Festival, which showcases both traditional and contemporary music from diverse cultures across the world, has presented more than 500 artists and ensembles from more than 50 countries in its 10-year run.

“When the Festival began, it was one of the only international music festivals in the country, “ said DCA Senior Program Director Michael Orlove in a press statement. “Ten years later, we are still proud to continue our mission of providing accessible and affordable music programming to the City of Chicago through this exciting Festival.”

The 2008 festival line-up features more than 70 events at 21 venues. Many events are family friendly and 38 events are admission free. Events include 6 live radio broadcasts and a mix of free and ticketed concerts presented in museums, parks, cultural centers, plazas, theaters, clubs and other venues throughout Chicago.

The Festival has added 4 new venues to its roster this year, including the new Jazz Showcase (Printer’s Row), Uncommon Ground (Rogers Park), House of Blues Backstage Porch (Downtown) and the World Music Center (Beverly).

As part of the “One World Under One Roof” closing night event at the Chicago Cultural Center (September 25, 6 – 11 pm), the Festival is debuting an International Market Place, featuring more than 30 arts, crafts and food vendors; artist demonstrations; a unique Mexican market village, plus special take-aways.

Millennium Park will host 2 free opening and closing night events at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, including Ensemble Al-Kindi with Sheikh Hamza Chakour, the Whirling Dervishes of Damascus and Richard Hagopian Ensemble - Kef Time Band on September 19, 6 pm and Calexico with Mariachi Luz de Luna, Salvador Duran, and Zazhil on September 25, 6 pm.

For more information, call the World Music Festival Hotline at (312) 742-1938 or visit www.CityofChicago.org/WorldMusic. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, here’s a good list of Chicago hotels. Photo copyrights WMF 2008.

Posted on September 23rd, 2008 by Thomas
Filed under: Chicago, Festivals