Summer Reads for Adults 2011

All programs are free unless noted.

Quicklinks: Book Beats Main Stage Programs | Music for Everyone | Book Beats: Loop Film Series | Book Beats: Off Loop Branch Film Series | Book Beats Programs and Events | Spanish Language Programs | Programas en Idioma Español | Programs for Teens

Book Beats Main Stage Programs

Harold Washington Library Center
Cindy Pritzker Auditorium
400 S. State Street
(312) 747-4300

“Speaking of the Blues” with Chicago Beau
Thursday, June 2, 12:15 p.m.
From sneaking around blues clubs as a boy to performing with world-class artists like Archie Shepp and Frank Zappa, Chicago Beau has had a long and storied career in the blues. Join us for an interview and performance that captures decades of Chicago’s music history.

David McCullough
Monday, June 13, 6:00 p.m.
David McCullough, one of America’s greatest historians, discusses his latest work, The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris, the enthralling story of adventurous American artists, writers, musicians, doctors, politicians, architects and others who traveled to Paris between 1830 and 1900.

Kundiman: An Evening of Filipino Classic Song
Tuesday, June 28, 6:00 p.m.
Kundiman songs—beloved Filipino art songs—provide listeners an atmospheric journey into Filipino life and culture. Presented in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General for the Sesquicentennial Celebration of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

I Feel So Good: The Life and Times of Big Bill Broonzy
Wednesday, July 20, 6:00 p.m.
Join Bob Riesman, film producer and author of I Feel So Good: The Life and Times of Big Bill Broonzy. A major figure in American blues and folk music, Broonzy (1903-1958) was the leading Chicago bluesman of the 1930s. Success came as he fused traditional rural blues with the electrified sound just beginning to emerge. This was just one step in his remarkable journey: Big Bill was constantly reinventing himself, both in reality and in his retellings of it. Riesman’s groundbreaking biography tells the compelling life story of a lost figure from the annals of music history.

The Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago
Thursday, July 21, 6:00 p.m.
Chicago’s premiere Mexican Dance Company thrills in an evening of costumes, music and festive dancing that have long characterized the company’s performances. Dancers in traditional costumes perform a variety of styles from Mexico’s rich dance heritage. Presented in partnership with the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago.

Music for Everyone

Chicago and its environs abound with free music events. Take advantage of these world-class offerings!

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Each summer, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events offers hundreds of free concerts, events, exhibitions, family programs and parades at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, Grant Park and other locations throughout the city. These include annual favorites such as the Chicago Blues and Jazz Festivals, Chicago SummerDance, the Family Fun Festival, the Air and Water Show, Music Without Borders and Made in Chicago at Millennium Park, plus many more. For a complete schedule, visit explorechicago.org.

Grant Park Music Festival in Millennium Park
The Grant Park Music Festival in Millennium Park has been a Chicago tradition since 1935. This summer from June 14 to August 20, the festival will present 26 free outdoor concerts and more than 50 free daytime outdoor rehearsals. Performances are usually Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Rehearsals are usually Tuesdays through Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. No reservations are required. Visit grantparkmusicfestival.com or call (312) 742-7638 for a full schedule.

Ravinia Words and Music
The Chicago Public Library and the Ravinia Festival proudly bring Words and Music to the people of Chicago. Each summer, patrons may visit any neighborhood library location to pick up free lawn passes to selected concerts throughout Ravinia’s summer season, including this year’s One Score, One Chicago selection, Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. Lawn passes are made available at the beginning of the Ravinia season, which runs from June 9 through September 11. Enhance an evening under the stars at Ravinia by first exploring the music collection of your neighborhood Chicago Public Library. Library card required.

Book Beats: Loop Film Series

Harold Washington Library Center
Cindy Pritzker Auditorium
400 S. State Street
(312) 747-4300

A Place in the Sun
Tuesday, June 7, 6:00 p.m.
Franz Waxman’s Academy Award-winning musical score and George Stevens’ direction, with performances by Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift and Shelley Winters, elevate this riveting classic based on Theodore Dreiser’s novel, An American Tragedy. 121 min. (1951)

An American in Paris
Wednesday, June 15, 6:00 p.m.
Vincente Minelli’s atmospheric direction guides Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron through a dreamy Paris, to the musical beat of George and Ira Gershwin. 114 min. (1951)

Ballets Russes
Tuesday, June 21, 6:00 p.m.
Ballets Russes defined modern ballet and evokes legendary names such as Nijinsky, Balanchine, Picasso, Miró, Matisse, Stravinsky, Dali, Markova, Tallchief, Wilkinson and others. Dramatic, touching and beautifully filmed with rare historic footage. 118 min. (2005)

Duke Ellington Live in Montréal
Tuesday, July 12, 6:00 p.m.
In April 1964, Duke Ellington and His Orchestra performed at Montreal’s Casa Loma Club. Filmed on opening night and at its peak, the band performs “Take the A Train,” “Never on Sunday,” “Afro Bossa” and more. 63 min. (1964)

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
Tuesday, July 19, 6:00 p.m.
Sung almost in entirety, this groundbreaking and beautifully touching love story is directed by Jacques Demy with music by Michel Legrand and boasts Catherine Deneuve’s debut. 92 min. French with English subtitles. (1964)

La Traviata
Monday, July 25, 6:00 p.m.
Giuseppe Verdi’s best-loved operatic heroine—Violetta—is brought to life by the legendary Beverly Sills in a signature role with Henry Price as Alfredo. Julius Rudel conducts an historic performance. 135 min. Italian with English subtitles; three acts with two brief intermissions. (1976)

Book Beats: Off Loop Branch Film Series

The Believers
Saturday, June 4, 2:00 p.m.
Woodson Regional Library
9525 S. Halsted Street
(312) 747-6900
This inspirational documentary tells the story of the world’s first transgender gospel choir. This unique story conveys perseverance, determination and spirituality within the LGBTQ community. 80 min. (2006)

Standing in the Shadows of Motown

• Wednesday, June 15, 6:00 p.m.
  Sulzer Regional Library
  4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
  (312) 744-7616
• Tuesday, July 12, 6:00 p.m.
  Hall Branch
  4801 S. Michigan Avenue
  (312) 747-2541
• Saturday, July 30, 2:00 p.m.
  Greater Grand Crossing Branch
  1000 E. 73rd Street
  (312) 745-1608

The Funk Brothers had more number one hits than the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones, Elvis and the Beatles combined! This film reunites The Funk Brothers to tell their unforgettable story. 107 min. (2002)

The Soloist

• Saturday, June 18, 1:00 p.m.
  Clearing Branch
  6423 W. 63rd Place
  (312) 747-5657
• Saturday, July 23, 1:00 p.m.
  Beverly Branch
  1962 W. 95th Street
  (312) 747-9673
• Wednesday, July 27, 6:00 p.m.
  Sulzer Regional Library
  4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
  (312) 744-7616

While looking for news, a Los Angeles reporter discovers a homeless musical prodigy, along with an unexpected, unique friendship that transforms both their lives in this touching true story. 117 min. (2009)

Too Close to Heaven: The Story of Gospel Music
Tuesday, June 21, 2:00 p.m.
West Englewood Branch
1745 W. 63rd Street
(312) 747-3481
This rousing film documents the 200-year history of gospel music from its origins to the use of music in the civil rights movement, and the influence of gospel on jazz, blues and rock and roll. 150 min. (1996)

Louie Bluie
Tuesday, July 5, 2:00 p.m.
West Englewood Branch
1745 W. 63rd Street
(312) 747-3481
The amazing life of multitalented blues musician, storyteller and artist Howard “Louie Bluie” Armstrong is documented in this must-see film. 60 min. (2010)

Monkey Dance
Saturday, July 9, 2:00 p.m.
Uptown Branch
929 W. Buena Avenue
(312) 744-8400
Shadowed by their parents’ Khmer Rouge nightmares and learning to survive in a tough working-class neighborhood, this group of Cambodian American teens discovers hope for the future through the art of dance. 65 min. (2005)

Repercussions
Wednesday, July 27, 3:00 p.m.
West Englewood Branch
1745 W. 63rd Street
(312) 747-3481
Explore the origins and history of African American music by seeing modern African musical traditions, with a focus on Gambia. 60 min. (1985)

Book Beats Programs and Events

LGBT Pride Month Concerts in Pritzker Park
Pritzker Park
344 S. State Street
Celebrate Pride Month and enjoy the newly remodeled Pritzker Park while enjoying some of Chicago’s best LGBTQ performers!

• Aria
  Saturday, June 4, 12:15 p.m.
  Aria, the women’s ensemble of the Windy City Gay Chorus, performs choral music that is sometimes rollicking, sometimes reflective and always inspiring.
• SHOUT!
  Saturday, June 11, 12:15 p.m.
  SHOUT!, the Lakeside Pride Jazz Ensemble, enlivens the Loop with Latin swing, Broadway hits and everything in between!
• Actor Slash Model
  Friday, June 24, 12:15 p.m.
  Bluegrass duo creates quirky and catchy music exploring the timeless classics of booze, lust and heartache—and a bit more!

Peter Martin and the Misericordia Puppeteers
Monday, June 6, 6:00 p.m.
Budlong Woods Branch
5630 N. Lincoln Avenue
(312) 742-9590
Enjoy a family puppet show with Peter Martin and puppeteers from Misericordia, Heart of Mercy.

Korean Music and Dance Festival
Wednesday, June 8, 6:30 p.m.
Budlong Woods Branch
5630 N. Lincoln Avenue
(312) 742-9590
Experience Korean culture through music and dance as the Kim Myung-Joo Dance Company from Incheon, South Korea performs traditional Korean music and dance.

Gallery Talk at the Art Institute of Chicago: Making Music in Dutch Art
Saturday, June 11, 2:00 p.m.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Meet in Gallery 100
Whether in a party scene or a still life, musical instruments were common in the works of many Dutch painters. Art historian Jeff Nigro leads this tour of music and merry-making in Dutch art. Presented in partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago.

Learn to Recognize Bird Song
Sunday, June 12, 7:00 a.m.
Humboldt Park
1400 N. Sacramento Avenue
(312) 747-8194
Meet at the parking lot in front of the field house. Jazz musician and bird lover Sam Burckhardt leads this tour of Humboldt Park’s birds. Participants will learn to listen for birds, analyze their calls and songs, and try to classify them. Binoculars and bird books are recommended, but not required. Please wear comfortable shoes.

Tuesdays on the Terrace at MCA
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
220 E. Chicago Avenue
Tuesdays on the Terrace is a free live music series hosted by local radio personalities and featuring some of Chicago’s finest jazz musicians. Presented in partnership with the MCA. Lawn chairs are available for rental, and food and beverages may be purchased from the outdoor grill. Limited spaces are available for a dinner buffet catered by Wolfgang Puck. No outside food or drink allowed. For more information and to reserve a table, please call (312) 397-4034.

• Clyde “Lightning” George
  Tuesday, June 14, 5:30 p.m.
  George grew up in Trinidad around the time that the steelpan (also known as the steeldrums) was first being played. This and a love of jazz led him to become the world’s finest double tenor steelpan jazz performer. His music blends the music of the Caribbean with the great classics of American jazz.
• Tatsu Aoki’s Miyuimi Project
  Tuesday, July 26, 5:30 p.m.
  In this dynamic performance, Chicago-based artist, composer, musician and educator Tatsu Aoki brings together artists from a wide range of musical genres, including jazz, experimental and traditional Japanese music.

Once I Had an Old Banjo
Tuesday, June 14, 6:30 p.m.
Mount Greenwood Branch
11010 S. Kedzie Avenue
(312) 747-2805
Musician Mark Dvorak presents a program packed with stories about the origin and evolution of this uniquely American instrument from its earliest days to Pete Seeger and Earl Scruggs.

Gypsy Rhythm Project
Thursday, June 16, 12:15 p.m.
Sulzer Regional Library
4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
(312) 744-7616
Violinist Steve Gibons leads an instrumental ensemble in lively Balkan and klezmer music. This program presented in partnership with the Chicago YIVO Society Summer Festival of Yiddish Culture.

Irish in America—Emerald Isle Immigrants
Thursday, June 16, 6:00 p.m.
Garfield Ridge Branch
6348 S. Archer Avenue
(312) 747-6094
Follow the Irish across “The Big Pond” with songs of Irish immigrants, as Lee Murdock celebrates with traditional songs from the Emerald Isle.

Linda’s Dance Performance
Thursday, June 16, 6:30 p.m.
Brighton Park Branch
4314 S. Archer Avenue
(312) 747-0666
What’s your favorite dance style? Latin? Jazz? Hip-hop? Enjoy them all as the talented students of Linda’s Dance Studio perform different dance styles.

Where Were You in ’72?
Saturday, June 18, 12:00 p.m.
Brainerd Branch
1350 W. 89th Street
(312) 747-6291
James Taylor and Carly Simon got hitched, Elvis and Priscilla called it quits and America lost a national treasure with the passing of Mahalia Jackson. Join us for a touch of soul as we discuss hits and singers of the early 1970s.

Momma Kemba Performances
Join local historian Momma Kemba for dramatic presentations of three important women from America’s history. Interspersed with moving songs—often written by the women she portrays—Momma Kemba’s performances are as entertaining as they are enlightening.

• Sojourner Truth
  Saturday, June 18, 2:00 p.m.
  Walker Branch
  11071 S. Hoyne Avenue
  (312) 747-1920
  Born into slavery and denied an education, Sojourner Truth dedicated her life to speaking out against slavery, becoming one of the greatest abolitionist orators.
• Harriet Tubman
  Saturday, June 25, 2:00 p.m.
  Legler Branch
  115 S. Pulaski Road
  (312) 746-7730
  After escaping from the horrors of slavery herself, Harriet “Moses” Tubman risked her life again and again to lead others out of bondage.
• Fannie Lou Hamer
  Saturday, July 23, 2:00 p.m.
  North Austin Branch
  5724 W. North Avenue
  (312) 746-4233
  Despite facing violence, civil rights advocate Fannie Lou Hamer worked fearlessly to help register voters and speak out for justice, often bolstering the spirits of her colleagues through song.

Mussels, Moonshine and Music: Mississippi Valley Migrant Life in the Early Twentieth Century
Monday, June 20, 6:30 p.m.
Oriole Park Branch
7454 W. Balmoral Avenue
(312) 744-1965
Long ago, Illinois and Missouri were known as “Upper Louisiana.” Dennis Stroughmatt shares the music of southern Illinois’ French Creole speakers, playing the fiddle and singing traditional songs known to the region for over 300 years.

Beverly Sills: A Life
Monday, June 20, 6:30 p.m.
Budlong Woods Branch
5630 N. Lincoln Avenue
(312) 742-9590
Don’t miss Roberta Randall’s portrayal of beloved American soprano Beverly Sills! From Sills’ start as a child performer to her career as an impresario, Randall conveys the remarkable life of this singer, philanthropist, wife and mother.

Klezmer: The Joy of Jewish Music in History, Culture and Song
Thursday, June 21, 6:30 p.m.
Lincoln Belmont Branch
1659 W. Melrose Street
(312) 744-0166
As a violinist demonstrates each song, Lori Lippitz of the Klezmer Music Foundation explains the significance of Jewish folk music from hymns of Biblical times to today’s popular klezmer music.

Birth of a Label
Wednesday, June 22, 6:00 p.m.
Greater Grand Crossing Branch
1000 E. 73rd Street
(312) 745-1608
Karla “Fyremouff” Armour talks about the founding of Chicago’s first and only urban record label, T’izm Sound Productions. Learn how the label was founded with her partner, DJ Jazznosis, lessons they have learned and the effects of entrepreneurship on their art and lives.

The Schticklers Jug Band
Wednesday, June 22, 6:30 p.m.
Budlong Woods Branch
5630 N. Lincoln Avenue
(312) 742-9590
The Schticklers, 2010 Championship Battle of the Jug Band winners, present a mix of klezmer, jug band, Yiddish, Americana and the best Schtick this side of the Atlantic! Made possible by support from the Chicago Public Library Foundation and Sulzer Family Foundation.

Lyon & Healy Harp Factory Tour
Thursday, June 23, 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 20, 12:00 p.m.
Lyon & Healy Harps, Inc.
168 N. Ogden Avenue
Join us for an exclusive tour, offered only to the Chicago Public Library. Observe skilled craftspeople as they create some of the world’s most acclaimed instruments—handcrafted in Chicago for more than 120 years and used by the New York Philharmonic and the Bolshoi Ballet. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and will be required to wear safety glasses provided on the tour. Registration required as space is limited. For more information and to register, please call (312) 747-4011.

Songs and Stories with Renaissance Lute
Thursday, June 23, 6:30 p.m.
Jefferson Park Branch
5363 W. Lawrence Avenue
(312) 744-1998
Renaissance costumes enliven mythical creatures, faeries, maidens and pirates as Dan Marcotte and Judith Heineman combine music and stories from the days of King Arthur and Robin Hood.

Trash to Instrument: Circuit Bending with Roth Mobot
Saturday, June 25, 11:00 a.m.
Lincoln Park Branch
1150 W. Fullerton Avenue
(312) 744-1926
Looking to make your recycling a little more musical? Learn how old children’s toys can be remade into instruments to create electronic music through “circuit bending.” Chicago musical duo Roth Mobot will explain circuit bending and do a short performance on their recycled instruments. Presented in partnership with the Old Town School of Folk Music.

Moon Festival: Silk and Bamboo Melody by Kerry Leung

• Saturday, June 25, 2:00 p.m.
  Richard J. Daley Branch
  3400 S. Halsted Street
  (312) 747-8990
• Saturday, July 2, 11:00 a.m.
  Chinatown Branch
  2353 S. Wentworth Avenue
  (312) 747-8013

Enjoy the sounds of traditional Chinese music and learn about various Chinese instruments with Kerry Leung in recital.

Women’s Songwriting Workshop
Wednesday, June 29, 6:00 p.m.
Bucktown-Wicker Park Branch
1701 N. Milwaukee Avenue
(312) 744-6022
From awesome lyrics to perfect instrumentation, Girls Rock! Chicago members discuss how to get the music out of your head and into the world. Presented in partnership with Girls Rock! Chicago.

Music in the Making: Art Glass Family Workshop

• Thursday, June 30, 6:00 p.m.
  West Belmont Branch
  3104 N. Narragansett Avenue
  (312) 746-5142
• Wednesday, July 13, 6:00 p.m.
  Archer Heights Branch
  5055 S. Archer Avenue
  (312) 747-9241
• Thursday, July 14, 6:00 p.m.
  Jeffery Manor Branch
  2401 E. 100th Street
  (312) 747-6479

Bring your children! Discover how music and nature inspired Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs as you create your own paper design to take home. Ages 7-10 with adult. Presented in partnership with the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust.

How to Buy a Guitar
Thursday, June 30, 7:00 p.m.
Make’n Music
1455 W. Hubbard Street
(312) 747-8194
Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, push sonic boundaries or tweak your tone, this workshop will help you find the right instrument. Musician and Make’n Music owner Teddy Gordon shares more than 40 years of experience in choosing the perfect guitar. The entrance to Make’n Music is located in the alley behind the building, at the second door on the left. Please ring the buzzer for entry—free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building.

I Love My People

• Friday, July 1, 11:00 a.m.
  Austin Branch
  5615 W. Race Avenue
  (312) 746-5038
• Thursday, July 21, 6:00 p.m.
  Chicago Lawn Branch
  6120 S. Kedzie Avenue
  (312) 747-0639

Culminating in his original anthem “I Love My People,” Oba William King combines poetry and stories to celebrate the writings of African American leaders including Langston Hughes, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Gwendolyn Brooks.

Expressions of You: Songwriting Workshop
Friday, July 1, 1:00 p.m.
Altgeld Branch
13281 S. Corliss Avenue
(312) 747-3270
Express yourself through song! Join Elishama as she teaches the art of songwriting in this hands-on workshop. Teens and adults welcome! Registration is required as space is limited. Please call (312) 747-3270 to register.

World Music 101 with Andy’s Music Chicago
Andy’s Music Chicago
2300 W. Belmont Avenue
Djembes, sitars and didjeridoos, oh my! Learn from musicians about amazing instruments from around the world. Each live performance/lecture focuses on primary instruments and music styles of a different culture.

• North Indian Classical Music
  Friday, July 8, 7:00 p.m.
  The tabla and the sitar, along with rare Indian classical instruments will be tuned and demonstrated.
• Arabic Bellydance Percussion
  Friday, July 15, 7:00 p.m.
  Join us for an overview of the doumbek, riq and deff to experience the hypnotic rhythms of Egypt, Morocco, Turkey and others.
• West African Percussion
  Friday, July 22, 7:00 p.m.
  The highly popular drums called djembe and dun dun were once the heart of the old Malinke Empire. Explore their development and current popularity.
• Ancient Instruments, Modern Healing Music
  Friday, July 29, 7:00 p.m.
  Traditional musical instruments are used for relaxation, meditation and physical healing resonances. Explore gongs, crystal singing bowls, the didjeridoo and other exotic world instruments.

Stories and Songs of African People

• Saturday, July 9, 1:00 p.m.
  Chicago Bee Branch
  3647 S. State Street
  (312) 747-6872
• Saturday, July 16, 1:00 p.m.
  West Englewood Branch
  1745 W. 63rd Street
  (312) 747-3481

Interpreting African folktales from a contemporary perspective, storyteller Shanta Nurullah encircles her audience with poetry, chants and the spellbinding sounds of musical instruments of African origin.

Midwest Buddhist Temple
Obon Festival
Saturday, July 10, 8:00 p.m.
Midwest Buddhist Temple
435 W. Menomonee Street
Dating back 1,500 years, the annual Obon festival is one of the most celebrated and colorful Buddhist observances. All are welcome to join in the celebration as drumming and Japanese folk music fills the air! For more information, call the Temple at (312) 943-7801.

George Freeman: Chicago’s Jazz History
Monday, July 11, 6:30 p.m.
Roosevelt Branch
1101 W. Taylor Street
(312) 746-5656
Jazz guitarist and Chicago legend George Freeman converses with Rick Wojcik of Dusty Groove Records. Freeman discusses his experience from the early days of bebop through the 1960s soul scene to life as a modern-day jazz musician, along with his family’s influence on music. Presented in partnership with Dusty Groove Records.

Rush Hour Concert at St. James Cathedral: Tan Dun
Tuesday, July 12, 5:15 p.m.
St. James Cathedral
65 E. Huron Street
Mingle with world-class musicians over free refreshments at a pre-concert reception before settling into the historically significant and architecturally stunning St. James Cathedral. Following the reception, Third Coast Percussion with cellist Chris Wild performs Elegy: Snow in June by Chinese composer Tan Dun, best known for the score for the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Whether you’re already a classical music fan or just interested in discovering whether you could be, this is the perfect way to indulge your cultural curiosity. Presented in partnership with Rush Hour Concerts at St. James Cathedral.

This Land Is Your Land: Woody Guthrie and the Great American Folksong
Wednesday, July 13, 6:30 p.m.
Near North Branch
310 W. Division Street
(312) 744-0991
Woody Guthrie was perhaps America’s greatest folksong writer, chronicling the Great Depression, nature’s beauty and democratic potential. Performer and historian Bucky Halker celebrates Guthrie’s legacy on the eve of his 2012 centennial.

The American Folksong
Wednesday, July 13, 6:30 p.m.
Mayfair Branch
4400 W. Lawrence Avenue
(312) 744-1254
Noted musician Mark Dvorak celebrates the American Folksong featuring artists like Lead Belly and Woody Guthrie along with Illinois artists like Win Stracke, Fleming Brown and Big Bill Broonzy.

Russian Women’s Melody Choir
Thursday, July 14, 12:15 p.m.
Sulzer Regional Library
4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
(312) 744-7616
Spirited seniors from the former USSR sing in Russian, Yiddish, Hebrew and English. This program presented in partnership with the Chicago YIVO Society Summer Festival of Yiddish Culture.

Old Town School of Folk Music: Colby Maddox and ‘100 Songs’
Thursday, July 14, 6:00 p.m.
Douglass Branch
3353 W. 13th Street
(312) 747-3725
Lift your voice or just tap your toes to these gospel, soul and folk tunes performed by Colby Maddox of the Old Town School of Folk Music. The songs were chosen from a new release of tunes out of the Old Town School archive and represent the strong folk tradition of passing stories, through song, from one generation to the next. Presented in partnership with the Old Town School of Folk Music.

The Glessners and Music
Saturday, July 16, 10:00 a.m.
Glessner House Museum
1800 S. Prairie Avenue
John and Frances Glessner were early supporters of the Chicago Symphony and close friends with its first conductor, Theodore Thomas. William Tyre, executive director and curator, leads an exclusive tour, featuring the original Steinway grand piano and mementos from famous musicians including Paderewski, Percy Grainger, Caruso and others. Presented in collaboration with the Glessner House Museum. Registration required as space is limited. Call (312) 326-1480 to register.

Introduction to Il Kwa Nori and Korean Traditional Percussion
Saturday, July 16, 1:00 p.m.
Albany Park Branch,
5150 N. Kimball Avenue
(312) 744-1933
Join us for a Poongmul performance by members of Il Kwa Nori, Korean American artists. Poongmul is a Korean folk music tradition that includes drumming, dancing and singing known as the music of the people.

Gallery Talk at the Art Institute of Chicago: Modernist Painting and Music
Sunday, July 17, 2:00 p.m.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Meet in Griffin Court, Modern Wing
Who could forget the poignant image of Picasso’s masterwork The Old Guitarist? The subject of the painting is defined by his instrument. Join art history professor Paula Wisotzki for a closer look at how Modernist musicians and artists influenced each other. Presented in partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago.

African Drum and Dance Workshop
Sunday, July 17th, 2:30 p.m.
Rumble Arts Center
3413 W. North Avenue
Learn the rhythms of traditional African drums or dance routines at this hands-on family workshop hosted by the Rumble Arts Center and the Mofindu African Drum and Dance Company. All ages welcome! Presented in partnership with the Rumble Arts Center.

Sea Shanty Singing Workshop with Lee Murdock
Tuesday, July 26, 6:30 p.m.
West Town Branch
1625 W. Chicago Avenue
(312) 743-0450
Experience the songs once sung by sailors and crew on Great Lakes sailing vessels. Join in the song and learn how work was made easier by these call-and-response songs.

SpeakOUT: Hip-Hop on the Down Low at the Center on Halsted
Thursday, July 28, 6:30 p.m.
Center on Halsted
3656 N. Halsted Street
Join Chicago rappers and hip-hop artists for a panel discussion about life as a gay person in an industry that traditionally prizes hyper-masculinity. SpeakOUT is a lecture series focusing on issues facing the LGBTQ community and is presented in partnership with the Center on Halsted.

Spanish Language Programs

Join us for these programs, offered in Spanish or a mixture of Spanish and English!

Music of South America
Saturday, June 25, 11:00 a.m.
Vodak-East Side Branch
3710 E. 106th Street
(312) 747-5500
Musician Nelson Sosa journeys through Brazil, the Chilean Andes, Argentina and more. Tango anyone? Presented in English and Spanish.

Buena Vista Social Club: Film Screening
Wednesday, July 6, 6:00 p.m.
Sulzer Regional Library
4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
(312) 744-7616
In 1996 musician Ry Cooder surmounted visa issues and political tensions to bring some of Cuba’s most legendary musicians to the United States. Performer interviews and concert footage are highlighted. 105 min. Spanish and English with English subtitles. (2001)

Ansiedad: Film Screening
Monday, July 18, 5:30 p.m.
Portage-Cragin Branch
5108 W. Belmont Avenue
(312) 744-0152
From Mexico, the unforgettable music of this classic tells the story of twin brothers separated when they were very young and who meet later in life. 127 min. Presented in Spanish. (1953)

Romántico: Film Screening
Tuesday, July 19, 6:00 p.m.
Lozano Branch
1805 S. Loomis Street
(312) 746-4329
This film conveys the touching portrait of a Mexican musician torn between a life and career in both Mexico and the U.S. 80 min. Spanish with English subtitles. (2007)

The Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago
Thursday, July 21, 6:00 p.m.
Chicago’s premiere Mexican Dance Company thrills in an evening of costumes, music and festive dancing that have long characterized the company’s performances. Dancers in traditional costumes perform a variety of styles from Mexico’s rich dance heritage. Presented in partnership with the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago.

Programas en Idioma Español

Acompáñenos en estos programas que se ofrecerán en español, o en una mezcla de español e inglés.

Música de América del Sur
Sábado 25 de junio, 11:00 a.m.
Vodak-East Side Branch
3710 E. 106th Street
(312) 747-5500
El músico Nelson Sosa nos acompañará en un viaje a través de los estilos musicales de América del Sur. Aprenderemos sobre los ritmos de samba de Brasil, la música andina de Chile, el erótico tango de Argentina y mucho más. Este programa se ofrecerá en español e inglés.

Proyección cinematográfica: Buena Vista Social Club
Miércoles 6 de julio, 6:00 p.m.
Sulzer Regional Library
4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
(312) 744-7616
El músico Ry Cooder superó problemas de visa y tensiones políticas para traer a los músicos más legendarios de Cuba a los Estados Unidos. Las entrevistas con cada músico se intercalan con sus reacciones respecto del viaje y registros fílmicos del propio recital. Presentada en español e inglés con subtítulos en inglés.

Proyección cinematográfica: Ansiedad
Lunes 18 de julio, 5:30 p.m.
Portage-Cragin Branch
5108 W. Belmont Avenue
(312) 744-0152
La inolvidable música de este clásico de todos los tiempos relata la historia de unos hermanos mellizos separados a muy temprana edad. Cuando sus caminos vuelven a cruzarse otra vez, comienzan a desentrañar los secretos escondidos en sus pasados. Presentada en español.

Proyección cinematográfica: Romántico
Martes 19 de julio, 6:00 p.m.
Lozano Branch
1805 S. Loomis Street
(312) 746-4329
El músico mexicano Carmelo Muñiz Sánchez regresa a su hogar después de haber pasado años tocando en San Francisco. Pero cuando Carmelo regresa a su ciudad de origen, descubre que no puede mantener adecuadamente a su familia y planea regresar a los Estados Unidos. Presentada en español con subtítulos en inglés.

La Compañía Mexicana de Danzas Folklóricas de Chicago
Jueves 21 de julio, 6:00 p.m.
Harold Washington Library Center
Cindy Pritzker Auditorium
400 S. State Street
(312) 747-4300
Únase a la mejor compañía de danzas mexicanas de Chicago en un evento emocionante de rápidos cambios de vestuario, música llamativa y danzas festivas que han caracterizado las presentaciones de esta Compañía durante casi tres décadas. Los bailarines vestidos con vestimentas tradicionales presentan una variedad de estilos de la rica herencia de danzas mexicanas. Presentado en asociación con la Compañía Mexicana de Danzas Folklóricas de Chicago.

Programs for Teens

Teen Volume

Chicago Public Library’s Teen Volume has developed a number of fun, educational and noteworthy summer programs related to music, beats, poetry and more taking place at a neighborhood library near you. We have events happening all over the city for teens in high school—ages 14 and up. Join us this summer to learn about life lessons from hip-hop artists with author Felicia Pride or discover how poetry can heal an aching heart from Jandy Nelson, author of The Sky Is Everywhere. Meet Jessica Hopper, an obsessive music lover and author of The Girls’ Guide to Rocking: How to Start a Band, Book Gigs and Get Rolling to Rock Stardom to get ideas for your own band. For more information on these and other great programs happening this summer, go to For Teens.

YOUmedia

YOUmedia technology is available for free to all high school-age teenagers with a valid Chicago Public Library card! This summer YOUmedia explores music through a series of programs for teens that connect digital media and music. Join us for programs to create and explore the world of the music industry in Chicago, women in rock, ’zines, the wonderful world of vinyl, video game music, music recording and production, soundscapes, album art and more. For information about program dates and times, visit youmediachicago.org. For selected works about music from YOUmedia teens, visit youmediabookbeats.tumblr.com or follow us on Twitter @youmediachicago.