Maybe you’ve been enjoying the warm weather and feeling like summer will never end, but the astronomical end of the season is approaching this weekend. However, the fun doesn’t have to stop there! Millennium Park is celebrating its 20th-anniversary summer season with free events hosted by five cultural organizations, including Vocalo, the city’s urban alternative public radio station. Despite facing challenges earlier this year, Vocalo is still on the air and hosting a fantastic party at Pritzker Pavilion on Friday, September 20.
Vocalo’s Summer Finale boasts an incredible lineup of live Chicago music that you won’t want to miss. The event kicks off at 5 PM with DJ Lady D, followed by performances from singer-songwriter Kaina and jazz trumpeter Marquis Hill. The headlining act for the night is the renowned west-side hip-hop collective Pivot Gang, who will take the stage at 8:15 PM. The show will be hosted by past and present Vocalo hosts Bekoe and Nudia Hernandez. It’s a night that caters to all Chicago music lovers, but don’t forget to bring your own lawn chair or blanket for seating. Let’s hope that Vocalo continues to provide us with more incredible music experiences in the future.
In other music news, Chicago artist-led organization Golden Egg has announced a pilot round of grants to support retirement savings for local professional musicians. Musicians between the ages of 20 and 65, with an average adjusted gross income of less than $80,000 over the past three years, are eligible to apply. Recipients can receive grants ranging from $2,000 to $6,500, with the condition that they deposit the money into an individual retirement account and match it with their own funds. This initiative aims to address the financial insecurity faced by freelance musicians and provide them with a sustainable future.
Golden Egg has assembled a steering committee of local artists to shape the initiative and develop retirement-planning resources for working musicians. The application process is straightforward, requiring only two links demonstrating recent musical activity. The organization has received 58 applications so far, and the first round of grants will total $50,000.
As we look forward to more music events and initiatives supporting local artists, let’s continue to celebrate the vibrant music scene in Chicago. Stay tuned for upcoming shows and concerts to add to your radar, and support your local musicians in any way you can.
