ChicagoSmarts.com Blog

With spring quickly fading, a lot of folks are dusting off their shorts and flip flops, readying themselves for hot fun in the summertime. In Chicago, that means different things to different people. For a lot of them, it’s baseball, baseball, baseball. Still, for others, there’s a whole city to explore and experience.

Some of the top sights in the Windy City are even more glorious under the shimmering summer sun. Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and Lake Michigan certainly have their individual appeals.

Navy Pier boasts a wealth of entertainment for the young and old. It houses the Chicago Children’s Museum, an IMAX theater, a park replete with carnival rides, a beer garden featuring live music, and the Smith Museum of Stained Glass. Various boat rides also launch from the Pier.

Those seeking a maritime adventure can either hop on the speedboats, the Architectural slow cruisers, or the Tall Ships to enjoy the Lake. Ticket prices vary. For the Tall Ships, the range is from about $25 to $65, depending on the boat and the tour. Kids are down in the $20-25 neighborhood.

If you’re at Navy Pier and you prefer to see the city from a different perspective, the summer brings Aeroballoon Chicago back to life with helium-filled balloon rides. Alternately, rent a bike and sight-see from ground level.

When it comes to entertainment, the Ravinia Festival is Chicago’s “sound of summer.” This year’s slate includes The Judds, Robert Plant, k.d. lang, Dave Brubeck, Maroon 5, Jennifer Hudson, Steely Dan, and many more. Classical and classic programs also fill the calendar – from Yo-Yo Ma to Tony Bennett. Even Garrison Keillor brings A Prairie Home Companion to Ravinia on June 25.

Fans of edgier music also have Lollapalooza at the ready in Chicago’s Grant Park August 5-7. The line-up there features Eminem, Muse, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Cee-Lo Green, The Cars, and about a gazillion other bands.

Taste of Chicago, which runs from June 24 to July 3 at the Petrillo Music Shell, brings a whole other flavor to the palette. Latin music, gospel music, world music, Celtic music, country music… it’s all there. Even Broadway show tunes and Natalie Cole are on the agenda.

Lovers of cinema will be pleased to know that the Movies in the Parks series gets underway on June 14 at Belmont Harbor and Montgomery Ward Park (formerly Erie Park). The wide array of offerings includes North by Northwest, The Karate Kid, Airplane!, A League of Their Own, Catfish, The Dark Knight, The Social Network, and a slew of others.

If all of those choices still aren’t enough, there are always sporting events and concerts at the United Center, guided tours, and other myriad things to do both uptown and down. Chicago really does have something for everybody.

Upcoming Events at Chicago’s United Center

The United Center has a full calendar of events scheduled for 2011. This year, the 20,000-plus seat arena is set to host big time concerts, major sporting events, and high quality family entertainment. The world renowned venue, also known as “The UC” or “The Madhouse on Madison,” is Chicagoland’s premiere indoor arena.

You’ll find the United Center in Chicago’s Near West Side neighborhood on 1901 West Madison Street. The venue is home to the Chicago Bulls of the NBA and the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL. Since opening its doors in 1994 concert tickets have been sold to several big name touring acts including U2, Dave Matthews Band, Rod Stewart, Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty, and Beyoncé. The arena also sells event tickets to WWE shows, Professional Bull Riders, and Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

To prevent you from missing any of the great live entertainment scheduled to take place at the United Center, ChicagoSmarts has listed, in an easy-to-read format, all the games, concerts, and shows found on its calendar. These can’t-miss events range from Bulls games to Cirque Du Soleil performances to Disney on Ice shows to rock and pop concerts. Due to the popularity of the arena, and the popularity of the events, ChicagoSmarts recommends procuring United Center tickets as soon as possible.


Possibly Until June 16
Chicago Bulls in the NBA Playoffs

The Chicago Bulls have the best record in the Association and will have home court advantage throughout the NBA Playoffs and the NBA Finals. League MVP Derrick Rose will try to lead his team past the Indiana Pacers in the first round and then the Orlando Magic or the Atlanta Hawks in the second. If the Bulls make it all the way to the NBA Finals the latest Game 7 will be played is June 16.


Possibly Until June 17
Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL Playoffs

The defending champions have an uphill battle against the number one seed Vancouver Canucks. While it looks like the Chicago Blackhawks will be dispatched early from the NHL Playoffs you should never underestimate the heart of a champion. If the Blackhawks somehow manage to defeat the Canucks and then reach the Stanley Cup Finals, a game seven would be played no later than June 17.


June 15
Rihanna

Rihanna brings her red hot “Loud Tour 2011″ to the United Center on June 15. Your Rihanna tickets get you more than just a set from the Barbadian R&B star, they also get you a set from special guest, singer Cee Lo Green. The Grammy Award winner is touring with Rihanna to support his latest album, “The Lady Killer.” Opening for both superstars is Roc Nation rapper J. Cole.


June 17 – 18
NKOTBSB

NKOTBSB stands for New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) and Backstreet Boys (BSB). The legendary boy bands will play two consecutive nights at the United Center starting June 17. The singing groups decided to launch a tour together after a surprise and very well received performance of “I Want It That Way” at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. NKOTBSB opening act is American Idol winner Jordin Sparks.


June 20
Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel’s “New Blood Tour” is sure to be one of the most unique Chicago tickets of the year. The former Genesis front man is touring with the 46-piece New Blood Orchestra—an orchestra completely devoid of rock and roll instruments (no drums, no guitars). Gabriel will perform his classic hits as well as some deep cuts from his extensive catalog of music. All of the songs on Gabriel’s set list have been reworked especially for this tour.


June 30 – July 31
Cirque Du Soleil’s OVO

Come check out Ovo, a classic Cirque Du Soleil show, during its month-long engagement under the Grand Chapiteau. To put it another way, the show takes place in a big tent that’s set up in one of the United Center’s parking lots. Ovo is set in the wonderful world of insects and is all about movement. The soundtrack for this fantastic contemporary circus was inspired by the music of Brazil.


July 8
Britney Spears

Originally, your Britney Spears tickets would have gotten you a set from Britney and a set from Enrique Iglesias. Unfortunately for Iglesias fans, the Latin crooner dropped out hours after the tour was officially announced. Spears replaced Enrique with hip hop star Nicki Minaj. The “Femme Fatale Tour” comes to Chicago and the United Center on July 8. Britney is supporting her latest album, 2011’s “Femme Fatale.”


July 13
Josh Groban

Despite selling Josh Groban tickets to big arenas like the United Center, the American vocalist is aiming for a more intimate setting. Therefore, he’ll employ a variety of production techniques to make large venues feel more like cozy theaters. Also, expect him to have more interaction with the audience. Groban’s “Straight To You World Tour” visits Chicago on July 13. Opening duties will be performed by jazz pianist Eric Lewis.


August 5 – 7
Sade

The unmistakable sound of Sade comes to the United Center for a three night stand beginning in early August. Sade is out on the road supporting their sixth studio album, “Solider of Love.” Joining the legendary 1980’s R&B band is Grammy Award winner John Legend. Sade broke onto the music scene in 1984 with the release of “Diamond Life.” That opus, as well as their next four releases, peaked inside the Top 10 of the Billboard 200.


September 7 – 11
Disney On Ice presents Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey

This September, Disney on Ice: Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey comes to Chicago for a five-day run at the United Center. This Disney on Ice show stars Mickey and Minnie as they journey to the worlds of The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Lilo & Stitch, and Peter Pan. This family-friendly adventure runs nightly with an 11:30am and 3:30pm matinee on Sept. 10 (Saturday) and Sept. 11 (Sunday). The 7:00pm ice show on Sunday will be performed in Spanish.

Of all the entertainment venues in Chicago – and there are many great spots – perhaps one of the most diverse is the United Center. Not only do the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks call it home, but plenty of other big names stop by for visits.

In 2011, the Bulls and Blackhawks will play out their seasons with a smattering of other events sprinkled into the schedule.

Riding the momentum from their most recent number one album, A Thousand Suns, Linkin Park will hit the United Center on January 26 as part of their tour. This latest offering has already yielded two hit tunes in “The Catalyst” and “Waiting for the End,” and the band plans on offering up the same mojo in their concerts.

Front man Chester Bennington says, “The new songs work really well alongside the older stuff. Plus, there’s a strong, powerful message to A Thousand Suns, and we’ve transferred that into the show. Our aim was that we’re not just putting on a live performance, but something that’s visually spectacular as well.”

For something more family-oriented, Disney On Ice Presents Pixar’s Toy Story 3 at the United Center on February 2-13. The tale features Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the whole Toy Story clan as they escape from Sunnyside Daycare and try to make their way home.

Then it’s back to the rock, Kid Rock, to be precise. The Born Free tour lands in Chicago on February 26 shortly after his big 40th birthday celebration in Detroit. For the upcoming tour, Kid Rock is aiming high and true.

He explains, “I went on the merit of the music alone the last few years. This time we’re taking out a set. I’m like, ‘I got the music. Now let me give the people something to see,’ so we’re trying to figure out how do we create this set where it can turn into fire and strippers… and have an acoustic thing in the middle that’s truly heartfelt and we can do our country thing.”

Just after that, Lady Gaga will turn the United Center into a Monster Ball on February 28. Despite having to cancel some gigs earlier this year due to exhaustion, it seems Gaga got her groove back. She’s since added a string of dates in 2011, including this one in Chicago.

Tickets for Bon Jovi’s March 8-9 stand will surely go fast as Jon Bon Jovi told Billboard a few weeks ago that this will be the band’s last hurrah.

Once the summer leg of the tour wraps up, Jon says, “I’m going to sit on the beach for August, which is usually what I do and come September figure out what’s next.”

He even showed his hand for some of the possibilities: “A smaller-sounding solo record and/or focus more on the philanthropy and sports ownerships.

“I don’t see any acting in the immediate future. It’ll be out of the political cycles, and there’s nothing else I wish I could do. I’m not a coulda, shoulda, woulda kind of guy. If I wanted to do it, I tried it, so it’s not like I have any hidden desire to become a chef or anything.”

Also in March, the United Center will host the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament March 18-20.

For most, if not all, of your Chicago sports and concert needs, the United Center is the answer.

Chicago Live Events: Concerts, Musicals That Are Coming To The Windy City In 2011

Chicago is set to welcome a slew of great artists and musicals in 2011. Leading the way for concerts are U2, Bon Jovi, and Sade. Don’t forget the annual musical festival, Lollapalooza. The huge, multi-stage event takes over Grant Park in early August.

As for the upcoming Broadway musicals, get your Chicago tickets ready for Burn the Floor, 9 to 5: The Musical, and Les Misérables. Also, Wicked returns to Chicago for an eight week run at the Cadillac Palace Theatre.

Below, ChicagoSmarts looks at the top concerts and musicals coming to the Windy City in 2011. We list the major events coming to town, the venues at which they’re scheduled to appear, and their performance dates. Hopefully, our primer will keep you from missing any of the great musical events scheduled to visit Chicago in 2011.

CONCERTS

The Black Keys
Aragon Ballroom
Dec. 30, 2010 -Jan. 1, 2011
Alternative rockers The Black Keys will play three shows in Chicago at the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011. The band from Akron, Ohio is touring to support their 2010 release, Brothers, which features the smash hit “Tighten Up.”

Weezer
Aragon Ballroom
Jan. 7-8
Weezer wraps up its “Memories Tour” in Chicago on Jan. 7-8. During the band’s first night at the Aragon they will play their self-titled debut, known as the “Blue Album,” all the way through. Then the following evening, Weezer will play its 1996 release, “Pinkerton,” in its entirety. Since the albums are fairly short, Weezer will fill out each night’s set playing their other hit songs.

Linkin Park
United Center
Jan. 26
Linkin Park’s 2011 North American tour launches Jan. 20 in Sunrise, Florida. Less than a week later, Chicago welcomes Linkin Park to the United Center. The band released its fourth studio album, A Thousand Suns, in September of 2010.

Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith
Chicago Theatre
Feb. 12
Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith play the Chicago Theatre on Feb. 12. It’s the third show of the duo’s 2011 outing, “2 Friends Tour.” Grant is known as the “Queen of Christian Pop” while Smith is a three-time Grammy Award winner and one of the most influential contemporary Christian artists around.

Slash
House of Blues
Feb. 13
Slash visits Chicago and the House of Blues on Feb. 13. The gig is smack dab in the middle of his three-month long world tour. The former Guns N’ Roses guitarist released his self-titled solo debut in March of 2010. In July, he released a live album of his solo work featuring vocalist Myles Kennedy.

Kesha
House of Blues
Feb. 24
Kesha’s first headlining tour comes to Chicago on Feb. 24. The 23-year old “Tik Tok” singer will be performing at the House of Blues. Her North American trek is called the “Get Sleazy Tour” and it will support her recently released EP, Cannibal.

Bon Jovi
United Center
March 8
Bon Jovi ’s “Circle Tour” was one of the hottest concert tickets in 2010 and their 2011 world tour promises to be just as big. Bon Jovi plays Chicago’s United Center on March 8. In November of 2010, the New Jersey-based group released Greatest Hits, an album of the band’s hits singles through the years.

U2
Soldier Field
July 5
Due to Bono’s back surgery several dates from the band’s 2010 itinerary had to be moved to 2011. U2’s Chicago show is now set for July 5 at Soldier Field. The Irish band’s 360° Tour won “Top Tour” and “Top Draw” at the 2010 Billboard Touring Awards.

Lollapalooza
Hutchinson Field Grant Park
August 5-7
The annual Lollapalooza music festival is scheduled for Aug. 5- 7 at Chicago’s Grant Park. No word yet on 2011’s lineup, but in 2010 fans with Lollapalooza tickets saw Green Day, Soundgarden, Arcade Fire, and Phoenix.

Sade
United Center
August 5-6
After more than a decade away from the spotlight, Sade returns in 2011 with a 50-date world tour. Sade comes to Chicago for two concerts at the United Center on Aug. 5-6. The British band, featuring the sultry voice of singer Sade Adu, is touring to support their 2010 release, Soldier of Love.

MUSICALS

Million Dollar Quartet
Apollo Theatre
Residence Show
Million Dollar Quartet dramatizes an impromptu jam session among legends Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash that took place in December of 1956. The Tony nominated musical is currently running at the Apollo Theatre and has been playing there since September 2008.

Wicked
Cadillac Palace Theatre
Dec. 1, 2010-Jan. 23, 2011
Wicked returns to Chicago for an eight week run at the Cadillac Palace Theatre beginning Dec. 1, 2010. The Tony Award winning musical is the Windy City’s longest-running show. Having debuted in Chicago in 2005, the show about the Witches of Oz ran for three and half years at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre.

9 to 5: The Musical
Bank of America Theatre
January 18-30
Broadway’s 9 to 5: The Musical is based on the 1980 movie Nine to Five. Dolly Parton not only starred in the movie but she also wrote the music and lyrics for this Tony nominated musical. The witty and clever show will run at the Bank of America Theatre from Jan. 18-30.

Les Misérables
Cadillac Palace Theatre
Feb. 2-27
It’s one of the greatest musicals to ever grace a stage and in 2011 it’s returning to the Windy City. Les Misérables is scheduled to play at the Cadillac Palace Theatre from Feb. 2-27. The epic production is the world’s longest running musical and the third longest running show on Broadway. The first U.S. tour was launched way back in 1987.

Burn the Floor
Bank of America Theatre
Feb. 1-13
The Broadway sensation Burn the Floor will be in Chicago from Feb. 1-13 at the Bank of America Theatre. Admired by both critics and fans alike, this high-energy show features 20 champion dancers. If you like “Dancing with the Stars” or “So You Think You Can Dance” you’ll love Burn the Floor.

Rain – The Beatles Experience
Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theater
Feb. 8-13
This Beatles tribute show delighted fans during its run at the Neil Simon Theatre on Broadway. In 2011, the faux “Fab Four” invade Chicago. Rain – The Beatles Experience will sell tickets to the Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theater from Feb. 8-13.

Next to Normal
Bank of America Theatre
April 26 – May 8
The Tony nominated Next to Normal is perhaps the greatest Broadway musical that features electroshock therapy. Chicago welcomes the critically acclaimed show to the Bank of America Theatre from April 26-May 8. The powerful and mesmerizing musical features a wonderful pop/rock score by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey.

Spring Awakening
Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre
May 3-8
Spring Awakening comes to Chicago for a six day run May 3-8. Tickets for Spring Awakening will be sold at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre. The show’s music and lyrics were written by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater. The original Broadway cast featured Glee’s Lea Michele.