Chicago City Wire

CHICAGO—Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced today the music lineup for World Music Festival Chicago, scheduled from September 20 to 29. The festival will feature ten consecutive days of live global music across eleven venues citywide, showcasing 31 artists representing 16 countries and regions, including seven local music groups.

“World Music Festival Chicago is more than a celebration of music. It is a celebration of our shared humanity and the diverse cultures that make our city and world so beautiful,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “As we gather in the spirit of community, creativity and celebration, I look forward to experiencing the global sights and sounds alongside Chicagoans and visitors alike.”

“The diversity and talent showcased in this festival is a true reflection of the cultural fabric of this city,” said DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. “From Irving Park to Auburn Gresham to Millennium Park, World Music Festival Chicago travels across our great city, connecting residents and visitors with musicians from across the world, fostering greater cultural understanding through the power of music.”

Now in its 24th year, World Music Festival Chicago features free performances in eleven indoor and outdoor venues across the city. Attendees can experience a wide variety of musical genres from diverse geographical regions including Colombia, Italy, Pakistan, Sweden, among others.

The festival will commence with Ragamala at the Chicago Cultural Center, marking its twelfth year as the largest all-night presentation of live Indian classical music in the United States. Ragamala offers guests an opportunity to hear ragas during early morning and late-night hours as they were traditionally played. The event runs from September 20 at 6 pm through September 21 at 8 am. It is presented by DCASE in collaboration with the South Asia Institute (SAI) and South Asian Classical Music Society (SACMS). Prior to Ragamala, a special Fall Open House will be hosted at the Chicago Cultural Center from 4 to 8 pm.

This year introduces Global Carnival in partnership with Old Town School of Folk Music on September 22 at Millennium Park from 5–9 pm. The event features Afro-Brazilian carnival block Ilê Aiyê and New Orleans Black Masking Indian artists Flagboy Giz & The Wild Tchoupitoulas.

The festival concludes with a Global Peace Party at Navy Pier on September 29 starting at 2 pm featuring performances by artists from Chicago, Poland, Cuba among others.

For more information on performance schedules visit WorldMusicFestivalChicago.org.

World Music Festival Chicago is sponsored by Chicago Transit Authority and Millennium Garages. The Global Carnival from Old Town School of Folk Music is part of the Millennium Park Residency Program supported by Pritzker Foundation and Millennium Park Foundation.

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