The summer is almost here, and Chicago’s soul music scene is looking to make a comeback for the second year in a row.
Navy Pier invites the public to take in the sights and sounds of its 2nd annual Chi-Soul Fest.
The event, which takes place from 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. June 21 – 22, is free and open to the public. Chi-Soul Fest provides an opportunity to bring together various local artists and groups that either play the classics or are influenced by soul music.
Performances will take place on several different stages.
Organizers said last year’s Chi-Soul Fest was such a success that they decided to bring it back.
“Seeing there wasn’t anything like this in the city, I thought it was a great opportunity to bring soul music to Navy Pier, and at the same time, honoring its historical significance here in Chicago,” said Daniel Crane who handles arts, culture and engagement for Navy Pier.
History shows Chicago has deep ties to the soul music scene of the 1960s and 1970s. Various record labels recorded artists like The Dells, Curtis Mayfield, Etta James, Donna Hathaway, Herbie Hancock and Earth Wind and Fire.
“We’re happy to bring that to the light again,” said Crane.
Crane also said there are still a lot of great soul musicians that are performing on a weekly basis in the city.
Chi-Soul Fest falls in line with the mission of Navy Pier, which “celebrates and showcases the vitality of Chicago and provides for the enjoyment of Chicago-area residents and visitors year-round,” according to the nonprofit destination’s website.
During the event, visitors will have access to all the restaurants and eateries at Navy Pier.
Programming will be presented in honor of the national observance of African-American Music Appreciation Month.
For information, visit navypier.org.
SCHEDULE
Friday, June 21
Ayana Contrera Pop-Up: “Energy Never Dies”
10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion
Honey and The 45s
5:30 – 8 p.m.
Miller Lite Beer Garden
Chi-Soul Sisters Concert
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Polk Bros Park (Lake Stage)
Neal Francis
9 – 11:30 p.m.
Miller Lite Beer Garden
Saturday, June 22
Ayana Contrera Pop-Up: “Energy Never Dies”
10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion
DJ Tess
1 – 2 p.m.
Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion
Silver Room Block Party
1 – 6 p.m.
Polk Bros Park (Lake Stage)
Alysha Monique
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Miller Lite Beer Garden
Vocalo Showcase
2:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Polk Bros Stage (Lake Stage)
DJ Sadie Woods
3 – 4 p.m.
Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion
Discussion by Ayana Contreras and Curtis Mayfield
4 – 5 p.m.
Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion
Aniba Hotep and The Sol Collective
4:15 – 6:15 p.m.
Miller Lite Beer Garden
DJ Duane Powell
5 – 6 p.m.
Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion
Chi-Brations Showcase
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Polk Bros Stage (Lake Stage)
Manny Torres
7 – 8:15 p.m.
Miller Lite Beer Garden
Bumpus
9 – 11:30 p.m.
Miller Lite Beer Garden
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