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*Human Events
Music as a Meeting Place
A picnic and live jazz at Millennium Park on opening night of the Chicago Jazz Festival, with guided conversation and the *Human Chicago community. Thursday, September 3 · 6:00-9:30pm.
The invitation
We invite you to join our *Human Chicago community for the opening night of the Chicago Jazz Festival in Millennium Park. We will spend the evening creating space to connect with ourselves and with the humans around us (disconnecting from our phones). We designed intentionally curated discussion cards to enhance your experience as you listen to the music, in community. Meet us to revel in the evening's live music and enjoy meaningful conversation between and after jazz sets.
Music is our shared language as humans, it's a language of our human spirit. We will experience music not just as surface-level entertainment, but as something that can awaken us to desires deep inside of us; increase empathy for the people around us; help us to see our story woven with the humans around us.
This is the last event of our summer series of going offline together. We can't wait to see you there.
“Music opens up a great, perfectly dimensioned space of silence which, when things come about happily, a reality can dawn which ranks higher than music.”
– Josef Pieper, Only the Lover Sings: Art and Contemplation
Who is this for?
Anyone curious about music as a meeting place, longing for a moment of meaningful connection and purposeful conversation, and willing to experience live jazz like never before. Our hope is that you come away with a calmer spirit, new perspectives to carry into your week, and a few people you are glad to have met.
When
Thursday, September 3 · 6:00 to 9:30pm
Members of Team *Human Chicago will be on the lawn beginning at 5:30, so you are welcome to arrive early to say hello and settle in. The Jazz Festival's opening remarks and national anthem begin at 5:45. The first act starts at 6:00, music runs until 9:00, and we'll close up the evening with the chance to share experiences and reflections with those around us until 9:30.
Where
Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., at the northeast corner of the Great Lawn by the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Look for our *Human shirts, picnic blankets, and dark green *Human branded caps. We will email registrants our exact location on the day of, and post it to Instagram as well.
What to expect
- The kickoff and national anthem are at 5:45, so come then if you can. The first act starts at 6:00
- Live jazz, all night long, from the 2 Brown Sisters (Maggie and Africa Brown); Joel Ross Good Vibes; Dee Dee Bridgewater and Bill Charlap Duo
- Limited food and snacks (optional to bring your own to share)
- Great people, great conversation – go deeper on what we've listened to together in purposeful moments of guided group discussion
- Intentionally curated discussion cards to enhance your experience as you listen, in community
- We will have picnic blankets; bring a folding lawn chair or towel of your own if you prefer. Small coolers only, and no outside alcohol.
Closing invitation
This is the last night of our summer series of going offline together. If there is anyone who comes to mind who you would love to bring, we would love for you to share this page with them. We hope to see you there.
Follow along on Instagram
FAQs
Questions About Music as a Meeting Place
Everything you need to know before joining us at Millennium Park on September 3.
Is Music as a Meeting Place free to attend?
When and where does Music as a Meeting Place take place?
What does the Music as a Meeting Place event include?
