Splendid. Well, it's been ages since I've been to a gig. Don't look that way. I'm down with the new music. And I have the albums to prove it. - Giles

333 Days to go: 315 Things to Do: Day 27 in Chicago

51. Music Without Borders Concert in Millennium Park


I really don't think there is anything better than summer in Chicago.  Exhibit one: concerts in the park.  Practically every day there is some form of concert taking place in Grant Park.  Tonight with blankets in hand and a bottle of wine in my bag, we go to the first performance of Music Without Borders of the season.

 Our provisions our minimal compared to others.  We see elaborate picnic baskets, fancy deck chairs, entire coolers of beer.  Drinking during the concerts is totally acceptable, even bringing it in yourself, which is confirmed a early on as security guards mingle through the crowd without blinking an eye.  It is not okay, however, to smoke a cigarette.  We see the guards ask someone to put it out. 

The opening act, The Very Best (yes that's actually their name) is great.  And they announce at midnight that night they will be at the Beauty Bar to DJ.  I'm sorry.  Did I hear that right?  The Beauty Bar?  Indeed.  Post concert manicure anyone?

The second band, is a favorite of Emily's actually, and a last minute replacement for the originally scheduled program.  Antibalas are a 14-piece Afrobeat orchestra and is awesome.  The night is beautiful, the weather perfect.  There really isn't anything better than summer in Chicago.


On another note the entire city has Blackhawks fever.  Stanley cup, here we come.  Office buildings and the lions outside the Art Institute show their support.

We do decide to stop at the Beauty Bar on our way home, but none of us make it until midnight.  Sleep.

332 Days to go: 314 Things to Do: 27 Days in Chicago = 28 new experiences