Whether you're into jazz, electronic dance music or Polish rock, the music-packed fests this weekend are sure to offer something for your aural pleasure. Established fests such as Chicago Jazz Festival and Taste of Polonia celebrate more than three decades of presenting local and international music, while newer fests such as Ravenswood Remix and North Coast Music Festival bring fresh concepts, from recycled art to silent discos.
Chicago Jazz Festival
When: Noon-3 p.m. (Chicago Cultural Center) and 6:30-9:30 p.m. (Millennium Park) Thursday, 5 p.m. (Ganz Hall at Roosevelt University) and 6:30-9:30 p.m. (Millennium Park) Friday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (Grant Park) Saturday and Sunday
Where: Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, Ganz Hall and Grant Park
Cost: Free
Details: Since 1979, this jazz-packed festival has showcased talent from around the globe and continues to promote awareness and appreciation for all types of jazz. Roy Haynes Fountain of Youth Band (Friday), Dianne Reeves (Saturday) and Allen Toussaint (Sunday) headline while saxophone and clarinet player Ken Vandermark performs as the selected artist-in-residence. Ganz Hall at Roosevelt University will host a second performance by Vandermark at 5 p.m. Friday.
Ravenswood Remix
When: Noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: 4100 N. Ravenswood Ave. between Belle Plaine and Berteau avenues.
Cost: $5 suggested donation to benefit Hamilton Elementary School art programs
Details: "Remix, rethink, recycle" is the mantra of this eco-friendly festival featuring original art made from used and recycled products. The two-day art fair will also feature green workshops, food trucks and music performances from Like Pioneers, BBU, White Mystery and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin.
Taste of Polonia
When: 5-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-11 p.m. Sunday, noon-10 p.m. Monday
Where: Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
Cost: $7 admission
Details: The 33rd annual Taste of Polonia is here again with non-stop live music on five stages and all the imported beer and pierogi you can handle. Enjoy Chicago's own ABBA Salute, Waco Brothers and Funk Circus along with Polish musicians including Myslovitz.
North Coast Music Festival
When: 1-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Union Park
Cost: $50 for Friday one-day pass, $55 for Saturday one-day pass, $60 for Sunday one-day pass. VIP options available.
Details: Beyond bringing some of the biggest DJs and hip-hop names to Union Park, North Coast Music Festival's organizers also claim to have a few tricks up their sleeves with the inclusion of an improved "silent disco" in a dome that holds more than 200 people. Also, check out the Chicago Reader-sponsored "living gallery" to see painters and graffiti artists working live all weekend.
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