Events & Activities
We are pleased to return to Rosemont, Illinois for the second year in a row for the Illinois Governor's Conference on tourism. Tucked in between Chicago O'Hare International Airport and the City of Chicago Rosemont is a pocket jam-packed with space for meetings/conventions/tradeshows and a top entertainment center, hosting an average 50,000 visitors a day. Go to www.rosemont.com for more information, or download its app. Welcome to Rosemont. Stay and Play...EXPLORE CHICAGOWelcome to Chicago! To get the most out of your visit, stop by one of the Visitor Information Centers for brochures, maps and itinerary assistance from friendly Visitor Representatives. They are located in two of the city's most popular areas: across from Millennium Park in the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street; and at the historic Water Works pumping station, 163 E. Pearson Street at Michigan Avenue. For daily alerts about fun and FREE things to do in Chicago, follow Explore Chicago on Twitter at twitter.com/explorechicago and on Facebook at facebook.com/explorechicago. Discover fun itineraries on our daily blog at explorechicagotourism.com, and on Foursquare at foursquare.com/explorechicago. Get answers to your Chicago questions on the go, restaurant recommendations, and travel tips via the FREE Twitter Concierge Service @explorechicago. For more information and details on the following events and attractions, please visit www.ExploreChicago.org. SIGHTSEEING Let a friendly, knowledgeable Chicago Greeter volunteer welcome you to the city. Customized for small groups up to six people, these FREE two- to four-hour visits are offered year-round on foot and public transportation. Register 7 to 10 days in advance and choose a neighborhood or an interest to explore, such as architecture, history, film or ethnic Chicago. Ride with Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co. on a Hop On, Hop Off Tour with a ticket that gives you all day transportation to the most famous Chicago attractions. Enjoy the two-hour Signature Tour, covering 13 magnificent miles of Chicago's downtown and the Loop. Entertainment Cruises offers a distinct selection of dining and sightseeing cruises departing from Chicago's famous Navy Pier. Choose unique experiences on board Odyssey and Spirit of Chicago cruise vessels. At the John Hancock Observatory, experience Chicago's best views. Engage all your senses in Chicago's only open-air Skywalk, enjoy coffee creations or beer, wine and spirits at the world's highest Lavazza Espression café, and discover Chicago's history and hotspots with a free multimedia tour available in seven languages. There is always something spectacular to see with the Observatory's new interactive telescopes. Historic Navy Pier is Chicago's lakefront playground. The Midwest's top leisure and tourist destination attracts more than 8.6 million visitors a year. Enjoy 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, eateries and attractions open year-round. Visit Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower for 360 degree views of the city from the 103rd floor and to experience The Ledge—an enclosed glass balconies that put you 1,353 feet over Chicago. SPECIAL EVENTS Glide over to John Hancock Observatory to experience Skating in the Sky through April 8, featuring a synthetic 900-square foot ice skating rink on the building's 94th floor. Skate high above the Magnificent Mile and enjoy views of the city's lakefront skyline and bustling Lake Shore Drive. Visit Navy Pier for the Chicago Flower & Garden Show to see 25 stunning gardens displaying the latest flower and plant design trends. Also, enjoy cooking demos, youth activities, potting parties, and illustrated talks. Then, cruise Lake Michigan with a sumptuous lunch, music, and fun! MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS With a diverse collection of over 40 museums around the city, Chicago offers incredible opportunities to discover treasures of art, science, history and culture. Exhibitions include: The first exhibition in the United States devoted to Cahun's work, Entre Nous: The Art of Claude Cahun at the Art Institute of Chicago brings together over 80 photographs and published material by Cahun and Moore, including several photomontages from their 1930 collaborative publication Aveux non avenus (Disavowals), and the only surviving object by Cahun, which is in the Art Institute's permanent collection. This Chicago History Museum exhibition, Charles James: Genius Deconstructed, explores the history and work of this important couture fashion designer, and why he is still a relevant force in the fashion world nearly 40 years after his death. Journey of Hope in America: Quilts Inspired by President Barack Obama, at DuSable Museum of African American History, showcases a collection of 90 quilts from some of America's best-known fiber artists – each of which serves to educate the viewing public about the historic significance of the presidential election of 2008. Also, celebrate gospel music's rich history, from its origins in Chicago, to the contributions by some of the greatest Gospel singers of all time with Spread the Word! The Evolution of Gospel From Chicago to the World. Learn the story of Genghis Kahn – his life, his land, his people, his culture – and his enduring legacy as a ruthless Mongol warlord at Genghis Kahn: The Exhibition at the Field Museum. Intuit, in collaboration with the Loyola Universty Museum of Art, presents HEAVEN+HELL, an exhibition exploring the themes of heaven and hell as conceived by outsider, folk and self-taught artists. This Will Have Been: Art, Love & Politics in the 1980s at the Museum of Contemporary Art provides viewers with an overview of the artistic production of these heady days, and imparts the decade's sense of political and aesthetic urgency by placing many of the decade's competing factions in close proximity to one another. Also featured is The Language of Less (Then & Now), inspired by the rich holdings of minimalist and postminimalist work from the 1960s and 1970s at the museum. In partnership with the Discovery Channel and its Emmy®-nominated series MythBusters, the Museum of Science & Industry presents the world premiere of an exhibition which uncovers the truth or myth behind everything from toast landing butter-side down to blowing a brick house down. At MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition Uncovers Truth or Myth, find hands-on experiments, explore props and gadgets from the show and watch live demonstrations by myth-busting facilitators. Also, the newest permanent exhibit here, Science Storms, reveals the extraordinary science behind some of nature's most powerful and compelling phenomena - tornados, lightning, fire, tsunamis, sunlight, avalanches and atoms in motion. Experience ancient Greece without leaving Chicago! The exhibit Gods, Myths and Mortals transports visitors to the bedrock of western civilization, and is the centerpiece of the new National Hellenic Museum, the only major museum in the U.S. dedicated to the Greek journey – from ancient times to the modern Greek American experience. Picturing the Past: Imaging and Imagining the Ancient Middle East at the Oriental Institute presents paintings, architectural reconstructions, facsimiles, casts, models, photographs, and computer-aided reconstructions that show how the architecture, sites, and artifacts of the ancient Middle East have been documented. At the Shedd Aquarium, Jellies offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the most mysterious creatures of the deep - sea jellies. Discover how these beautiful, translucent animals have thrived on Earth for millions of years. CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER EXHIBITIONS This stunning landmark building is home to two magnificent stained glass domes and several art exhibition spaces, as well as free music, dance and theater events, films, lectures, and family events. Current visual arts exhibitions include: Morbid Curiosity: The Richard Harris Collection Morbid Curiosity showcases collector Richard Harris' nearly 1,000 works, including creations by many of the greatest artists of our time, which explore the iconography of death across a variety of artistic, cultural and spiritual practices from 2000 B.C.E. to the present day. The Wrocław School of Printmaking: Faculty of the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Art and Design The Wroclaw School of Printmaking, a wide-ranging exhibition that fills all three Michigan Avenue Galleries, features print-based works by faculty members of the Printmaking Department at the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Art and Design in Wroclaw, Poland. Pulled, Pressed & Printed, Chicago In conjunction with the Wroclaw Polish printmaking exhibition, this show celebrates the art of printmaking in Chicago. Included are works from acclaimed Chicago printmakers and workshops such as Thomas Lucas/Hummingbird Press, Kerry James Marshall, Barbara Jones-Hogu, Richard Hunt, Willie Cole and more. Write Now: Artists and Letterforms For as long as there have been alphabets artists have explored the letterform, employing the fundamental element of written communication in many ways other than the setting of text. This diverse range of recent works by more than 60 artists utilizes letters and text in painting, printmaking, sculpture and video. THEATER From storefront theaters and Tony Award–winning regional companies to major Broadway shows and sketch comedy, Chicago is known throughout the world for its extensive selection of critically acclaimed theater. Discover some of the city's 250 theater companies and 115 performance venues both in the Loop Historic Theater District and off-Loop neighborhoods locations. Highlights include:
Following his acclaimed Chicago Shakespeare production of As You Like It, Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin takes on Shakespeare's spectacular tale of fairies and paramours. Camino Real, Goodman Theatre In Tennessee Williams' hauntingly poetic allegory, an American traveler and former boxer inadvertently lands in Camino Real, setting off on a phantasmagoric venture through illusion and temptation in an attempt to flee its confines—and defy his grim destiny. Enron, TimeLine Theatre Company One of the most infamous scandals in financial history becomes a dynamic new theatrical event. Crafted as sprawling tragedy mixed with savage comedy, Enron follows a group of ambitious men and women through the breathtaking rush of greed and fraud that led to a legendary financial collapse during the 1990s. Las Hermanas Padill, Chicago Fusion Theatre in association with DCA Theater An award-winning work by emerging New York playwright Tony Meneses, Las Hermanas Padilla is a poetic, humorous and fantastical vision of ten sisters-in-law who, while the world is at war find solace, despair, humor and grace in their unexpected sisterhood. Million Dollar Quartet, Apollo Theater - $35 ticket! Valid for March 14-18, excluding Saturday evening- 8pm Use code: ILGOV35 www.ticketmaster.com Featuring the greatest rock 'n' roll, gospel, R&B and country hits, Million Dollar Quartet captures the spirit, excitement and thrilling sounds of a singular moment when four extraordinary talents - Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley - came together for one of the most memorable nights in music history. Petrified Forest, Strawdog Theatre Written by a playwright who would go on to become one of FDR's speech-writers, Robert E. Sherwood's Depression-era masterpiece is alternately funny, romantic, thrilling and violent, but consistently political. The Doyle & Debbie show, Royal George Theater - $30 ticket! Valid for March 14-18, excluding Saturday evening- 8pm The Doyle & Debbie show - featuring all-original songs - is sublime homage and parody, simultaneously idolizing and lampooning country music's tradition of iconic duos and the battle of the sexes that accompany them. Bruce Arntson and Jenny Littleton take audiences on a freewheeling joyride through a wickedly funny script and score - all delivered with utmost sincerity. The Prophet (The Marvin Gaye Tribute), Black Ensemble Theater This tribute is a musical journey of the legendary man behind the music – Marvin Gaye, narrated by his youngest sister Zeola Gaye, written by Barbara Cole and the Marvin Gaye family. Time Stands Still, Steppenwolf Theatre Company From Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Margulies, Time Stands Still is a witty, intelligent look at what happens when ordinary life is refracted through the lens of war. MUSIC A top music city, Chicago is the birthplace of blues, gospel and house, and a popular spot for other genres such as hip-hop, indie rock and alt-country. With more than 300 live music venues, Chicago is a music-lover's paradise. Whether you enjoy seeing emerging artists at a late-night club or a gospel choir over Sunday brunch, Chicago's diverse music scene offers something for everyone. Select musical performances include:
From Paris to the Pyramids, from magical realms to the Mississippi River, from imperial Russia to the Holy Land, and more – Lyric takes you around the world on the wings of magnificent music. Verdi's blockbuster spectacular Aida, Kern and Hammerstein's groundbreaking musical drama Show Boat, and the Lyric stage premiere of Handel's Rinaldo are just three of eight productions this season being presented in March. Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts: Heather Wittels (violin) and Craig Terry (piano), Chicago Cultural Center Produced by the International Music Foundation, the celebrated series of weekly Wednesday concerts feature solo and ensemble classical music performed by emerging artists and are broadcast live on WFMT 98.7 FM. Muti Conducts Cherubini Requiem, Chicago Symphony Orchestra The Chicago Symphony Chorus joins Music Director Riccardo Muti and the CSO for the rescheduled performances of Cherubini's rarely performed Requiem in C Minor. Known as one of today's foremost Cherubini interpreters, Muti originally selected this work for its power and drama, as well as to commemorate the recent 250th anniversary of the composer's birth. Also on this eclectic program are Brahms' Schicksalslied for Chorus and Orchestra and Schoenberg's Kol nidre, narrated by Chicago-based cantor Alberto Mizrahi. DANCE Chicago is the proud home to several of the world's most critically acclaimed, technically superb and groundbreaking dance companies, choreographers and performers. With more than 200 Chicago-based companies, the city is teeming with talent, offering a diverse and thrilling range of dance styles to residents and visitors. Upcoming dance performances of note include:
A blockbuster program featuring a world premiere by Hubbard Street's own Alejandro Cerrudo and the return of audience favorites by Sharon Eyal and Alonzo King. VISITOR INFORMATION RESOURCES Visitors and Chicagoans planning to entertain out-of-town guests can receive trip-planning assistance and information by visiting www.ExploreChicago.org. Brochures and information on Chicago's exciting events and activities are also available at the Visitor Information Centers. Friendly Visitor Representatives can answer questions and assist in planning an unforgettable itinerary. The visitor centers are located in two of the city's most popular areas: across from Millennium Park in the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street; and at the historic Water Works pumping station, 163 E. Pearson Street at Michigan Avenue. For daily alerts about fun and FREE things to do in Chicago, follow Explore Chicago on Twitter at twitter.com/explorechicago and on Facebook at facebook.com/explorechicago. Discover fun itineraries on our blog at explorechicagotourism.com, and on Foursquare at foursquare.com/explorechicago. Get answers to your Chicago questions on the go, restaurant recommendations, and travel tips via the FREE Twitter Concierge Service @explorechicago. The Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture is dedicated to promoting Chicago as a premier cultural destination to domestic and international leisure travelers, providing innovative visitor programs and services, and presenting free world-class public programs. For more information please visit www.ExploreChicago.org. Questions about the conference? Contact Julie Elmore at jelmoreiccvb@yahoo.com or (630) 730-1780. |
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