Navy Pier Announces Community Engagement Programming Leading Up to ‘Chicago Live!’ 2024

Navy Pier Announces Community Engagement Programming Leading Up to ‘Chicago Live!’ 2024

CHICAGO—Leading up to this September’s Chicago Live! festival at Navy Pier, performing arts organizations across the city and suburbs will put their unique stamp on free experiences designed to engage their communities in the arts. Supported by philanthropic partners the Pritzker Foundation, Peoples Gas, and the National Endowment for the Arts, these grassroots engagement experiences will range from preview performances and open rehearsals to classes and workshops, jam sessions, artist meet-and-greets, even a first-of-its-kind performance of Handel’s Water Music from a boat on the Chicago River.

“Chicago Live! has been a flashpoint for our performing arts community’s inherent commitment to inclusivity and access,” said Erika Taylor, Navy Pier’s Vice President of Arts, Culture, and Engagement. “Supporting participating organizations in carrying the spirit of Chicago Live! into the weeks preceding the two-day festival – creating opportunities to connect with new audiences, and existing audiences in new ways – is an exciting extension of our mission.

“Most importantly, these efforts will give the public unprecedented access to the arts, right in their own backyard, completely free of charge.”

The largest free performing arts festival in the Midwest, this year’s fourth-annual Chicago Live!, slated for Sept. 21-22, will welcome more than 100 Chicago-centric artists and performing groups in back-to-back performances across five Navy Pier stages. A chronological rundown of free, community-based, pre-event experiences includes:

Delmark Records – BBQ & Jam Session – Tuesday, Aug. 27 (6 – 10 p.m.)

Chicago Live! fans are invited to rub shoulders with Chicago’s recording industry elite at the annual Larry Williams’ BBQ. Held at the legendary Delmark Riverside Studio, the event features live music, food and drink, and access to Delmark’s Dave Spector photo exhibit. Admission is free, but donations benefit the Engineering & Recording Society of Chicago. Delmark Riverside Studio, 4121 N. Rockwell, Chicago. www.delmark.com

Chicago Samba – Brazilian Percussion Workshop – Thursday, Sept. 5 (2 – 3 p.m.)

After warming up with theater games and body percussion, participants will learn to play together as a call-and-response drum ensemble in the Afro-Brazilian music style of Batucada – the percussive beat of Carnaval parades in cities like Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, and São Paulo. Drums provided. Wave Wall Stage, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. www.chicagosamba.com

Meher Dance Company – Bollywood Dance Workshop – Thursday, Sept. 5 (6 – 7 p.m.)

Learn the fundamentals of Bollywood and Indian dance at a workshop hosted by Meher Dance Company. Wave Wall Stage, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. www.meherdance.com

D’lectable Music – Disco Demolition: In Conversation with DJ Lady D – Friday, Sept. 6 (6 – 7 p.m.)

Explore the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and music surrounding Disco Demolition and the evolution of House music with Darlene Jackson, a.k.a. DJ Lady D. A sought-after expert on this pivotal moment in musical history, Jackson is featured in the PBS American Experience documentary, The War on Disco, and in the book, Disco Demolition, The Night Disco Died. Peoples Gas Welcome Pavilion, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. www.djladydchicago.com

About Face Theatre – “We Could Be” Theatre Workshop – Saturday, Sept. 7 (12 – 3 p.m.)

A rare opportunity to explore what it’s like to bring an idea to life at a fun-filled workshop that will help create About Face Theatre’s next project, “We Could Be,” an interactive play about sexuality, gender, and healthy relationships. This workshop invites participants to join in games and storytelling activities to further develop a script in progress. About Face Theatre, Suite 1, 1922 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago. www.aboutfacetheatre.com

Little Fire Artist Collective – Improv Jam – Saturday, Sept. 7 (3 – 4:30 p.m.)

Draw inspiration from other artists in this playful, spontaneous environment. All creative disciplines are welcome. Movers can dance, musicians can play, visual artists can create, poets can recite poetry, etc. Participants are invited to bring their own instruments, pencils, canvas, clay, or other preferred medium.

The Rooted Space, 1803 W. Byron St., Suite 201, Chicago. www.littlefirelittlefire.org

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre – “Never Better” Preview Performance – Saturday, Sept. 7 (7:30 p.m.) & Sunday, Sept. 8 (6 p.m.)

The award-winning storefront theater company, Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, is making a limited number of complimentary tickets for preview performances of its new musical, “Never Better,” available to Chicago Live! followers. Most appropriate for ages 13 and above. Contact boxoffice@theo-u.org;  (773) 939-4101. Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, 721 Howard St., Evanston, Ill. www.theo-u.org

Otherworld Theatre – Open House with Portal Prov! – Sunday, Sept. 8 (6 – 8:30 p.m.)

Embark on an adventure of nerdy fandom fun with Otherworld Theatre’s Portal-Prov! team. Join the company for pre-show appetizers and cocktails and an informative behind-the-scenes tour. Otherworld Theatre, 3914 N. Clark St., Chicago. www.otherworldtheatre.org

The Numero Group – Chi City All-Stars Open Rehearsal – Thursday, Sept. 12 (4:30 – 6 p.m.)

Sit in on a reunion of Chicago’s soul, R&B, and early hip hop all-stars as they rehearse for The Numero Group record label’s upcoming Chicago Live! Sound Stage performance. Enjoy a meet-and-greet with the artists, light appetizers, and refreshments. The Quarry Event Center, 2423 E. 75th St. Chicago. www.numerogroup.com

DanceWorks Chicago – DanceBytes – Friday, Sept. 13 (3 – 4 p.m.)

An informal and informative sneak peek at a new work created for DanceWorks Chicago by guest choreographer and Princess Grace Award winner Joshua Manculich, which will premiere at Chicago Live! Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. www.danceworkschicago.org

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre – “Never Better” Preview Performance – Friday, Sept. 13 (7:30 p.m.) & Saturday, Sept. 14 (7:30 p.m.)

The award-winning storefront theater company, Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, is making a limited number of complimentary tickets for preview performances of its new musical, “Never Better,” available to Chicago Live! followers. Most appropriate for ages 13 and above. Contact boxoffice@theo-u.org; (773) 939-4101. Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, 721 Howard St., Evanston, Ill. www.theo-u.org

Red Clay Dance Company – Open Level House Class – Saturday, Sept. 14 (10:30 – 11:45 a.m.)

Choreographer Destine (D’Roc) Young will teach participants the basics of freestyle street dance, including jacking, foot working, and lofting, and lead the group in an interactive “cypher” experience. Red Clay Dance Company, 808 E. 63rd St. Chicago. www.redclaydance.com

Joel Hall Dancers – Urban Jazz Class – Saturday, Sept. 14 (3 – 4:30 p.m.)

A 90-minute introduction to Urban Jazz taught by accomplished hip hop/house dancer and choreographer Melissa Metro, a First Company member of the Joel Hall Dancers. Ages 13 and above. Joel Hall Dance Studios, 4511 N. Clark, Chicago. www.joelhall.org

Shubukai – Japanese Classical Dance Recital – Sunday, Sept. 15 (3 – 4:30 p.m.)

This 48^th annual event is the final presentation of Ethnic and Folk Arts Master/Apprentice Program recipients Yoshinojo Fujima and Yukio Nang, with special guests Takane Umeya from Japan, Yurino Fujima from Australia, and musical guests from Tsukasa Taiko and Toyoakimoto Shamisen of Asian Improv aRts Midwest. Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. www.shubukai.org

Aerial Dance Chicago – Aerial Silks Workshop – Sunday, Sept. 15 (3:30 – 4:30 p.m.)

An all-ages introduction to the magical world of aerial silks. Participants will learn airborne balances, climbs, and basic movement. Separate, simultaneous workshops for children and teens/adults age 14 and older. Aerial Dance Chicago, 4028 W. Irving Park Rd. Chicago. www.aerialdancechicago.org.

Chicago Movement Collective – Interactive Performance – Tuesday, Sept. 17 (6:30 – 7:45 p.m.)

Chicago Movement Collective founder Ethan Kirschbaum and his Kirsch “Baum-shells” will teach participants jazz based choreography that will then be incorporated into a full flash-mob-style performance. Wave Wall Stage, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. www.facebook.com/chicagomusiccollective/

Tellin’ Tales Theatre – Improv Accessibility Jam – Tuesday, Sept. 17 (7 – 9 p.m.)

Dive into the world of improv with Tellin Tales Theatre’s talented team of “What’s Yours Like” improvisers, both with and without disabilities. The accessibility jam will include improv games designed to accommodate all levels of ability, experience, and participation. Ages 16 and older. NEIU El Centro, Room #110, 3390 N. Avondale Ave., Chicago. www.tellintales.org

Culture Shock Chicago – Hip Hop Based Movement Class – Tuesday, Sept. 17 (8 – 9 p.m.)

“Drop it like it’s hot” and “bust a move” with this electrifying hip-hop movement class. From seasoned groove masters to newcomers, the Culture Shock Chicago team will have participants movin’ and groovin’ to old-school beats and the freshest DJ-spun tracks. Wave Wall Stage, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. www.chicagoculturechicago.org

Winifred Haun & Dancers – Open Rehearsal – Wednesday, Sept. 18 (12 – 1 p.m.)

A casual in-studio preview of company repertoire to be performed at Chicago Live! The open rehearsal will feature three works by different choreographers and include a Q&A with the dancers and Artistic Director Winifred Haun. Intrigue Dance Center, 1937 S. Archer Ave., Chicago. www.winifredhaun.org

Music of the Baroque – Handel’s Water Music on the Chicago River – Wednesday, Sept. 18 (7 – 8:30 p.m.)

Handel did it on the River Thames in 1717 – now Music of the Baroque will be the first to do it on the Chicago River. Enjoy excerpts from Handel’s Water Music plus thrilling choral favorites as the Music of the Baroque Orchestra and Chorus take to the river aboard a Shoreline Sightseeing boat. Good sightlines will be available from the Merchandise Mart, Riverwalk, and bridges spanning the boat’s route. Chicago River, from the Ogden slip to the Merchandise Mart. www.baroque.com

Chicago Dance Crash – “Jackmate” Open Dress Rehearsal – Thursday, Sept. 19 (12 – 1 p.m.)

An open dress rehearsal viewing of “Jackmate,” a structured freestyle featuring five dancers and a live DJ, to be premiered at Chicago Live! Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the live creation of a full-length dance work in an intimate studio setting and participate in a talkback with Crash Artistic Director KC Bevis and ensemble artists following the performance. Visceral Dance Center: 3121 N. Rockwell St., Chicago. www.chicagodancecrash.com

Red Clay Dance Company – Open Rehearsal – Thursday, Sept. 19 (1:30 – 3 p.m.)

Join Red Clay’s professional touring company as they prepare for their return to the Chicago Live! stage. Get a sneak peak into the process and hear from the dancers about their experience preparing for the first performance of their Sweet16 season. Light refreshments provided. Red Clay Dance Company, 808 E. 63rd St. Chicago. www.redclaydance.com

Chicago Live! community engagement programs are open free of charge to all participants. Event artists, dates, and times are subject to change. Space is limited for many events and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please reach out directly to hosting organizations for additional information and possible RSVP links. No advance registration is required for events taking place at Navy Pier.

Navy Pier announced last month that Wilco front man Jeff Tweedy will headline this September’s Chicago Live! festival. Featured artists will range from Chicago’s world-class stalwarts, including The Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Second City, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Chicago Philharmonic, Black Ensemble Theater, and the perennially popular Blue Man Group, to pop culture icons like Ginger Minj from RuPaul’s Drag Race, Tony-nominated Felicia Fields, The Voice’s Oliv Blu, and many exciting up-and-comers. More than 50,000 Chicago-area residents and out-of-town guests are expected to take in free Chicago Live! performances over the course of the two-day festival.

Chicago Live! was launched in 2021, following the pandemic, to reconnect audiences with Chicago’s performing arts community after a devastating 18-month closure that left many in the industry in limbo. Exclusively showcasing Chicago-based artists, the festival has grown from 43 performing companies in its inaugural year to 111 groups and individual artists on-deck to appear at this September’s event.

Click here for Chicago Live! photos from 2023 performances.