Chicago Stories Concert

Background

In 2017 and 2018, we commissioned six composers to write new music for period (or “early” or “Baroque”) instruments that told the stories of Chicago’s people, neighborhoods, and communities. These were the stories and experiences of real people and communities of Chicago. They are the stories of women and immigrants, of people of color and of neighborhoods, of family and special places full of memory.

Chicago Stories 2019

You should come see us perform all the music from both years all in one place, and you should bring your friends and family. The performances are FREE FREE FREE and are part of Chicago's Night Out In the Parks series, which arranges live performances in public spaces. These events are family and food friendly, and we love meeting with people before and after the performances.

Performances

Concert Lineup

Two Assyrian Songs — by Eric Malmquist
Wild Onion Suite — by Regina Harris Baiocchi
Three Songs — by Amos Gillespie
Yes. & Really — by Heidi Joosten
Swedes in Chicago — by Kurt Westerberg
Stories of the Bloomingdale Trail — by Ronnie Kuller

your support = free music FOR others

We believe that music at its best builds community. It’s a gift we share. Your support is your gift to us. It’s only right that we share that gift with the people you care about.

When you support our campaign, not only will you receive a copy of the album, but we’ll donate albums to a community, family, or individual of your choice. No questions asked.

For every $100 (individual) or $250 (business) you give, you can tell us where to send a gift album. The more you give, the more people benefit for your gift.

A children’s ward at your local hospital? Your niece’s junior high school choir? Your local community center? We’ll make that happen. (Up to 40 individuals in a community, or more on a case-by-case basis).

If you don’t have any community in mind, we’ll make a donation on your behalf to a school, community group, or organization in the community where you live and let them know it came from you.

The BBE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Dual Albums Now Available

The BBE’s premiere recordings are now available for you through our online store! Click the link below to get A Gaelic Summer, an album of dance tunes and drinking songs from the 18th and 19th centuries, and An Appalachian Summer, our favorite songs and tunes from the Appalachian Mountains. Available as digital downloads or you can order a physical CD.