Thirsty Ears, Chicago’s Only Classical Music Street Fest, Returns To Ravenswood This Weekend

By wazup on August 3, 2023 Comments Closed / 55 views

RAVENSWOOD — Thirsty Ears Street Festival is back this weekend on Wilson Avenue.

The fourth edition of the classical music street fest runs 2-10 p.m. Saturday and 1-9 p.m. Sunday on Wilson Avenue between Hermitage and Ravenswood avenues.

Attendees can enjoy hour-by-hour classical music performances featuring renowned soloists and ensembles. Performers will be showcasing music from “Bach to Shostakovich to Reich and everything in between” on the center stage.

The street fest will also have beer and wine stations, food trucks and vendor booths. Additional activities include a Mini Silent Film Festival, an “Instrument Petting Zoo” in the Kids’ Zone and sponsored food trucks.

Admission is free, though there is a $15 suggested donation at the gate.

The event is hosted by the Access Contemporary Music organization, the Ravenswood-based organization that fosters the art form of classical music.

Proceeds for the festival will go to the organization’s School of Music to bring accessible music education to students of all ages. Classes include composition, voice, film scoring and other classical instrument training.

The organization needs volunteers to work entrance and beer tents. You can sign up here.

Here’s the full lineup:

Saturday

Main Stage

2 p.m.: Masso Quartet
3 p.m.: Bach to Beethoven Experience
4 p.m.: Crossing Borders Music
5 p.m.: Chicago Chamber Music Fest
6 p.m.: Wurtz-Berger Duo
7 p.m.: Windy City Strings
8 p.m.: Black Oak Ensemble
9 p.m.: Gustavo Leone
9:30 p.m.: Mini Sound of Silent Film Festival

Kids zone

2 p.m.: Instrument Petting Zoo
3 p.m.: Jenny Viets
4 p.m.: Dawn Marie’s Toddler Jam
5 p.m.: Magic Rob

Sunday

Main Stage

1 p.m.: Jeff Kowalkowski and Friends
2 p.m.: Blue Violet Duo
3 p.m.: 5th Wave Collective
4 p.m.: Lakeshore Rush
5 p.m.: Tiffin Trio
6 p.m.: Shi-an Costello
7 p.m.: Altino-Horn-Brown Trio
8 p.m.: Austin Williams and Friends

Kids Zone

1:30 p.m.: Magic Rob
2 p.m.: Lucky Trikes
3 p.m.: Jenny Viets
4 p.m.: Dawn-Marie’s Toddler Jam

You can find more information on the website.

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