Food plus music equal summer in the cities
@X BTO Byline attribution italic:aboerema@dailyherald.com
Summer’s just about here, and that means that deep-fried turkey legs, cold brews and awesome lakefront entertainment aren’t far behind.
Here’s a preview of this season’s biggest upcoming city events, from a food extravaganza to a music-lover’s paradise. All are old favorites that will no doubt draw huge crowds again this year with a winning combo of the outdoors, summertime fare and diverse entertainment.
Taste of Chicago
When: June 24-July 3
Where: Grant Park, Chicago
Info: www.tasteofchicago.us
Food still takes center stage at the 2011 Taste of Chicago, but it’ll have some competition: music.
Chicago’s biggest summertime festival, which kicks off June 24 in Grant Park, has undergone a logistical change: operations have been handed over to the city’s park district, which is incorporating several annual musical fests into the Taste, including the Chicago Country Music Festival, Celtic Fest Chicago, Viva Chicago and the Chicago Gospel Music Festival.
In recent years, the economy has reduced attendance, sponsorships and sales, and organizers have decided to cut back on the traditional big-name music acts. City leaders said it made sense to combine the smaller fests within the Taste and refocus the event as a family-oriented food celebration. Admission remains free; food and drinks still require ticket purchases.
Aside from the music, there’ll be hundreds of food items for sampling, whether you’re favoring a plain ol’ rib sandwich or something a little more exciting. After all, nothing says Chicago quite like nibbling on a pork-filled banana dumpling while rocking out to some gospel tunes.
Summerfest
When: June 29-July 3 and July 5-10; closed July 4
Where; 200 North Harbor Drive, Milwaukee
Info: www.summerfest.com
The world’s largest music festival returns June 29 along the Milwaukee lakefront, boasting its usual assortment of big stars, up-and-coming talent and local favorites. Headliners include Peter Gabriel, Kanye West, Toby Keith, Kid Rock, Def Leppard, The Black Keys, Katy Perry, Jason Aldean and Sugarland, all of whom will perform in the 23,000-capacity Marcus Amphitheater.
Other performing artists include: The BoDeans, 311, Goo Goo Dolls, Michael Franti, Maroon 5, Third Eye Blind, Better Than Ezra and Meat Loaf. In addition to the music, there’s plenty of food, shops and activities, including the inaugural Summerfest Half Marathon and 10K run on July 10, the festival’s closing day.
Both runs will start and finish at Summerfest and contain a stretch over the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge. Race proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin Inc. and Milwaukee World Festival. For information on the runs, visit rocknsolerun.com.
Chicago Air and Water Show
When: Aug. 20-21
Where: North Avenue Beach, Chicago
Info: www.chicagoairandwatershow.us.
The 53rd annual Chicago Air and Water Show, the country’s largest free show of its kind, returns to rock the lakefront Aug. 20 and 21.
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights will headline the show, which is sponsored by Shell Oil Products U.S., along North Avenue Beach from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street. The water and air portions have been combined for one continuous show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This year, a selected “Hometown Hero” will ride with the famed U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds in their F-16 Fighting Falcons. The hometown hero, previously nominated and selected by fans, is a way to showcase a Chicagoan who has done something amazing in the community, event organizers say.
Spectators can bring blankets, chairs and coolers; alcohol, grills, pets and fireworks are prohibited.