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Preview Fri Jul 09 2010
Preview: Great Performers of Illinois 2010, 7/9-7/11
As the city gears up for another solar pummeling this weekend — with forecasts predicting hazy sun and humid, mid- to upper-80s weather — Millennium Park is set to host its latest bash of the outdoor festival season. The Great Performers of Illinois 2010 show runs Friday through Sunday, bringing together everything from classical acts for your inner-aristocrat to sun-drenched, California-inspired pop that's sure to fit your wardrobe.
Friday kicks off with an old-fashioned square dance and a Xian Zhang-conducted rendition of Jean Sibelius' Symphony No. 2 (a sweeping dose of Finnish nationalism from the early 1900s — you can catch a snippet of it here if you're not familiar). Saturday and Sunday feature more modern fare, including performances by local acts such as Nicholas Tremulis Orchestra, Canasta, Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, Plastic Crimewave Sound, Pretty Good Dance Moves, rock /classical violin virtuoso Rachel Barton Pine and Chicago native Greta Morgan, returning from the West Coast to play with her new band, Gold Motel. The entire event is free, and other activities, including wine tastings and chainsaw carving, will also be on hand. So if you're already braving the heat, here's a good reason to head downtown.