Fresh Start to Your Week: 7/3 – 7/5

It's the week of Independence Day! That means plenty of parades, loud fireworks at all hours, and tons to do in the city (including the Music Box's 70MM Festival!). So go out and enjoy our beautiful city and friendly weather and give your July a nice fresh start!

MONDAY, JULY 3rd #EB25 The Mountain Goats @ Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave., 9:00PM WHAT: THE MOUNTAIN GOATS AT THE EMPTY BOTTLE!!! SO WHAT: 2017 marks Empty Bottle’s 25th anniversary so they are bringing back bands of the legendary venue’s past for the EB25 series throughout the year. This is will feature the Mountain Goats!!! This amaing band typically plays theaters like the Vic, but you’ll gt to see them in the intimate venue they first played at in 1994! This is their 7th appearance at the venue an quite honestly, a must see show! NOW WHAT: Advance tickets are sold out, but you can get their early and snag one of the handful of tickets at the door! TUESDAY, JULY 4th Tuesdays on the Terrace @ Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E Chicago Ave, 5:30PM WHAT: Enjoy an evening of free music on the MCA's Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden SO WHAT: This annual summer performance series, hosted by Al Carter-Bey rom WDCB 90.0 FM and Richton Guy Thomas from WHPK 88.5 FM, highlights artists from Chicago's internationally renowned jazz community. This edition of the series will feature Here in Now. In case of rain, the event moves inside to the MCA's Kovler Atrium. NOW WHAT: The concert series is free and open seating is still available on the terrace or bring a blanket to relax on the lawn. There are limited dining options until July 4, 2017, which is when MCA returns to their regular food service including a buffet, which features a changing menu of themed dishes using fresh, locally grown produce for $30 per person. To make reservations for July–September, call 312-397-3805. WEDNESDAY, JULY 5th Jazzin' at the Shedd @ Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S Lake Shore Dr., 5:00PM WHAT: Jazz, drinks, and sea life SO WHAT: Every Wednesday evening during the summer, Jazzin' at the Shedd will let you enjoy live jazz, cool drinks and a relaxed visit with 32,000 animals. You’ll be able to take in the Chicago skyline while listening to some of Chicago’s top jazz musicians. You can see the full lineup of musicians at the Shedd website! NOW WHAT: Tickets are $20 (or $18 if purchased before June 21st. Shedd members get into the this wonderful series for free! Rush Hour Concerts @ St. James Cathedral, 65 E Huron St., 5:45PM WHAT: Rush Hour Concerts returns for its 18th season of weekly, musical getaways SO WHAT:  Hosted by the International Music Foundation, Rush Hour Concerts are free musical events for those in the city to sit own and relax for 30 minutes of wonderful classical music in the beautiful confines of St. James Cathedral. Check out Louis Harris’ preview post for the full lineup of musicians! NOW WHAT: These concerts are free, just show up a little early for a good spot and some refreshments! Pop out at h! bar @ The Hollander, 2022 W. North Ave., 6:00PM - 8:00PM WHAT: A showcase of some of the most talented musicians and culture makers in the city. SO WHAT: This monthly series presented by Young Chicago Authors brings together the best talent Chicago das to offer for an insight into our city's vibrant cultural renaissance. This month's event is hosted by Kevin Coval and features live performances and readings by Freesole Chicago, Rachel "Raych" Jackson and Joseph Chilliams.There will also be a live DJ Set by DJ Ca$h Era. NOW WHAT: There is no cover for this all ages show. Must be 21+ to drink. Come on time and get half off all your drinks from 6pm-7pm!
Julian Ramirez