'Hot Summer Nights' at the Botanic Gardens
There are no more excuses for remaining wallflowers.
Sure, summer concerts in the park usually stick strictly to music and picnics, so you wouldn't want to look like weirdos dancing alone.
And maybe your salsa steps aren't that polished.
So what?
There's still a way to tango with your date or a new flame right here in the suburbs without major flubs.
Right now, the Chicago Botanic Garden is offering its second annual Hot Summer Nights Series, which combines musical performances and group dance lessons set against the backdrop of the gorgeous gardens and fountains, which never hurt chances for romance.
"We created this because it was really time, since we already had music on the esplanade on Tuesdays, so we wanted to develop something that got people up and moving," says Erin McNally, coordinator of visitor events and programs at the garden. "There are plenty of things in the city that offer free dance, but there was definitely a need for a program like this in the north suburbs."
The series features rotating genres of music each Thursday through August, including swing, Latin and country. And each event is set up to ease people in: The bands start with a musical set, which is followed by a dance lesson. Once you've got your groove, the band gets back in gear so you can test out your new moves.
Still awkward? No worries - the instructor leads a second lesson, and the night caps off with a chance to polish your routine.
"People who know how to dance always get the party started," she says. "And usually when the crowd sees two people start, they become less shy and join in."
Although the program is relatively new, Hot Summer Nights has already developed a following with both dancers and music-lovers. This year the program is expanding to include a performance by David Gweshe, who is flying in from Zimbabwe to play his native music at the botanic garden and Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. Gweshe's set will be followed by African dance lessons lead by the Boterekwa Dance Troupe.
Although the lessons are free, parking costs $15 per car. Or you can take the Metra Union Pacific North line to the Glencoe exit, where a trolley will take you straight to the gardens for $2 round-trip.
"The feedback we've gotten from past dances has just been amazing, so we're very excited to host David this year," McNally says.
Hot Summer Nights
Who: Big City Swing with The Flat Cats, June 12; The Silver Beams, June 19 and Aug. 14; Jesse Lege and Joel Savoy (Cajun music), June 26; Chicago con Clase with Saladeen Alamin, July 3 and Aug. 7; Tafaneyi (David) Gweshe and the Boterekwa Dance Troupe, July 10 and 31; Big City Swing with Lesley Byers and The Jazz Cats, July 17 and Aug. 21; The Chicago Cajun Aces, July 24 and Aug. 28
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe
Cost: Free; parking is $15
Details: (847) 985-2100 or chicagobotanic.org