Dancin’ in the streets
Thursday night kicks off the 5th annual Chicago SummerDance Festival in Grant Park. An 11-week event, dancing takes place in the Spirit of Music Garden Thursdays though Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Weekend highlights include Lindy hop and jitterbug lessons Saturday night starting at 6 p.m.
Battle of the bands
Bands hoping to catch a break will participate in MOBfest Thursday though Saturday at various locations around Chicagoland. Check out artists as they perform for major record labels at places such as the Cubby Bear Lounge, 1059 W. Addison St.; Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave.; and the House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St. Ticket prices vary.
Indie 500
More than 80 aspiring independent filmmakers will debut at the Angelciti Chicago 2001 Film Festival, held at the Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. The festival began June 20 and runs through June 27. Tickets are $10.
The solstice with the mostest
Friday night at 6 p.m. marks the beginning of the Summer Solstice Celebration at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. The 24-hour festival features continuous entertainment, including dance, music and art activities. Tickets are $8, but entrance is free with a contribution of two non-perishable food items.
It’s an Ani concert, minus the Ani
Ani DiFranco fans can head to Temptations, 10235 Grand Ave. in Franklin Park, Friday night at 10 p.m. to enjoy her new double CD “Reveling and Reckoning.” Though there is no Chicago date on her current tour, fans can still celebrate with a night of Ani tunes and a raffle. Guests will also receive a “Righteous Babe” tank top. 21 and over with ID required.
Gays on the march
The Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade hits Halsted Street Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. After winding though the Lakeview neighborhood, the parade will be followed by festivities along the lakefront. The Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., will host a post-party starting at 4 p.m.
