The largest festival of its kind in the U.S., World Music Festival Chicago 2016 is free. | File photo
The largest festival of its kind in the U.S., World Music Festival Chicago 2016 is free. | File photo
Over 60 musicians from 25 nations will bring free tunes to the city during the 18th Annual World Music Festival Chicago to be held Sept. 9-25.
The event is sponsored by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).
Indian classical music will headline the two-week event in a rare all-night concert, from 6 p.m. Sept. 9 until 9 a.m. the next day. African fusion, Caribbean, South American, Asian and Middle Eastern groups will offer melodies from their native lands — including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Israel, Mongolia, Puerto Rico and Yemen.
African countries represented include Senegal, Ghana, Sudan, Zanzibar, Tanzania and Reunion Island.
German, Polish, Lithuanian, Bulgarian and Italian performers will represent Europe; additionally, American and Canadian artists will be featured, all in separate performances at a variety of venues.
The largest festival of its kind in the U.S., World Music Festival Chicago 2016 is free and sponsored by the Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Tribune, Metra and Millennium Garages. DCASE strives to enrich Chicago’s cultural vitality, presenting high quality, affordable programs for residents and visitors.
Various outdoor picnic, walking and dance events are slated to accompany the music festival, including collaboration with Chicago SummerDance in Grant Park, instrument making and a peace procession. For a complete schedule of exact event times and places, visit www.cityofchicago.org.
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